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

Sara Delgado, who has more than 17 years of experience at the elementary and middle school levels, is the high school's new pricipal. —Julia Roeder, Detroit Free Press, 3 Sep. 2024

While there are no new elementary principals, they are now split differently among the schools: Franklin Intermediate Schools (grades 3-5) with principal Kimberly Irgens and assistant principal Erin Truesdell. —Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2024

Pembroke Pines police officers will continue to provide day-to-day protection for two Pembroke Pines high schools, but not in 12 elementary or middle schools, under a tentative agreement between the city and the Broward School District. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024

Research shows that happiness—from elementary age to high school age—is positively correlated with motivation and academic achievement. —Alex Vance, Parents, 30 July 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