elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

a

: of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something

b

: of or relating to an elementary school

2

: elemental sense 1a

3

: elemental sense 2

elementarily

ˌe-lə-ˌmen-ˈter-ə-lē 

-ˈmen-trə-lē

adverb

elementariness

ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē-nəs 

-ˈmen-trē-

noun

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• basal
• basic
• beginning
• elemental
• essential
• fundamental
• introductory
• meat-and-potatoes
• rudimental
• rudimentary
• underlying

Examples of elementary in a Sentence

He is lacking even the most elementary notions of fairness.

The researchers made an elementary error.

He has an elementary understanding of calculus.

Recent Examples on the Web

As students move through elementary, middle, and high school, exposure activities include age-appropriate outside-of-school experiences, such as workplace visits. —Bruno V. Manno, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

It's been widely reported that Mangione grew up in a successful Baltimore family, which owns two country clubs, and became the valedictorian of the Gilman School, a private all-boys elementary and secondary school. —Maria Aspan, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024

Southern California school counselor charged with molesting eight elementary students. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024

The new maps zone all elementary students in Greenleigh, a housing development along White Marsh Boulevard, for Vincent Farm Elementary School. —Dillon Mullan, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing elementary

• elementary charge
• elementary particle
• elementary school

Kids Definition

elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject

2

: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education