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

The district’s elementary and middle schools were releasing students beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the junior high and high schools were planning to release students starting around 2 p.m. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2025

Authorities said the two juveniles were elementary and middle school age, Alaska’s News Source reported. —David Chiu, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Adopting an early literacy policy improves elementary students’ reading achievement on important student assessments, with third grade retention and instructional support substantially enhancing English learners’ skills. —Harry Anthony Patrinos, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025

The troopers confirmed to Alaska station KTUU-TV Monday that the two young passengers were of elementary and middle school ages. —CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing elementary

• elementary charge
• elementary particle
• elementary school

Rhymes for elementary

• complementary
• entry
• gentry
• sentry

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