elementary
eh-lih-MEHN-tuh-ree
Elementary (adj) means Simple and basic; easy to understand. Example: “The instructions were elementary, so everyone finished the task within a few minutes.”
adj
1
Simple and basic; easy to understand.
"The instructions were elementary, so everyone finished the task within a few minutes."
"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).
"My sister works at an elementary school near the town centre."
"Children in elementary classes learn to read, write and count."
"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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more elementary
- Superlative
- most elementary
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The instructions were _____, so everyone finished the task within a few minutes.
Etymology
From Latin elementārius, meaning "of the basic principles," from elementum.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for elementary
See all rhymes for elementary →Frequently asked questions
What does “elementary” mean?
The word “elementary” means simple and basic; easy to understand. In plain terms, very basic or simple, or relating to early-stage schooling.
How do you pronounce “elementary”?
“Elementary” is pronounced eh-lih-MEHN-tuh-ree (/ˌɛləˈmɛntəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “elementary” in a sentence?
Here is “elementary” used in a sentence: “The math problem was elementary — even a child could solve it.”
What part of speech is “elementary”?
“Elementary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “elementary” come from?
The word “elementary” comes from Latin. From Latin elementārius, meaning "of the basic principles," from elementum.
Is “elementary” a common word?
“Elementary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “elementary” have?
“Elementary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: simple and basic; easy to understand.
What is the difference between 'elementary' and 'basic'?
Both describe something simple and foundational, but 'elementary' often stresses the earliest or introductory stage of learning, while 'basic' more broadly means essential or without extra features. 'Elementary' hints at a starting point, whereas 'basic' can describe anything uncomplicated.
What is the difference between 'elementary school' and 'primary school'?
They refer to the same stage of early education, but 'elementary school' is the usual term in the United States, while 'primary school' is used in the UK and many other countries. Both cover the first years of formal schooling.
When should you use 'elementary' instead of 'simple'?
Use 'elementary' when you mean something is basic to the point of being obvious or foundational, especially in learning or reasoning. 'Simple' is broader and can describe anything uncomplicated, not just introductory material.
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