adj
elementary
eh-lih-MEHN-tuh-ree
adj
1
Simple and basic; easy to understand.
"The math problem was elementary — even a child could solve it."
"He only has an elementary grasp of French."
2
Relating to the earliest stage of education (elementary school).
"She teaches elementary students how to read."
How to Use Elementary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery basic or simple, or relating to early-stage schooling.
Common pairings
elementary school
elementary mistake
elementary level
Word Forms
more elementary comparative, most elementary superlative
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Etymology
From Latin elementārius, meaning "of the basic principles," from elementum.