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

• basic
• rudimentary
• introductory
• fundamental

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 Michigan House moved forward with a vote on Tisdel's more restrictive plan, banning elementary and middle school students from using cellphones during the school day and prohibiting high school students from using cellphones in class. —Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Today’s moral crusaders assume an elementary cause-and-effect relationship between books and readers. —Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025

These students might have been more vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic as compared to both high schoolers and elementary students. —Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

One change that seemed to trend was requiring elementary and middle school students to be accompanied by adults. —Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 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