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

In a message to families Tuesday, District 205 Superintendent Robert McBride said the decision was made because most of the elementary districts that feed into the high school were also having students report to class. —Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

One is that the course is just elementary easy – like show up and get your A, easy. —Derek Newton, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

At the elementary level, all personal electronic devices will stay in students’ backpacks for the full duration of the school day. —Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2025

But for now, the 22-year-old works as a special education teacher at an elementary charter school in Columbus, Ohio. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2025

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