rudiment
1 synonym and 2 antonyms for rudiment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A basic principle or skill that forms the starting point for learning a subject.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A basic principle or skill that forms the starting point for learning a subject.
“The very emphasis on reading readiness and on the methods employed to teach children the rudiments of reading has meant that the other, the higher, levels of reading have tended to be slighted.”
2. noun
Something that exists only in a simple, early form.
“I have the rudiments of an escape plan.”
Opposites
Etymology
From Old French rudiment, from Latin rudimentum (“a first attempt, a beginning”), plural rudimenta (“the elements”), from rudis (“rude”); see rude. By surface analysis, rude + -i- + -ment.
Full origin of rudiment →