as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
even if you're not planning on becoming a scientist, you should have an elemental knowledge of chemistry
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Recent Examples of elemental
Sure, the movie eventually stumbles across a variety of recognizable genre signifiers (an ominous circle of mushrooms, a row of bushes that ward off local spirits, a puddle that shudders while the rest of the world lies still, etc.), but only after it’s set its terms on a more elemental level.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
The song’s tender emotional resonance speaks to the feeling of loss on a nearly elemental level.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
As much as possible, the most elemental steps are to be surfaced, and then they can each be separately resolved.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
On a sort of elemental level — consciously, unconsciously, whatever — my mom became part of the cover.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
The song’s tender emotional resonance speaks to the feeling of loss on a nearly elemental level.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
As much as possible, the most elemental steps are to be surfaced, and then they can each be separately resolved.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
On a sort of elemental level — consciously, unconsciously, whatever — my mom became part of the cover.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
Adjective
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Despite their importance, the basic design of the cask—planks of wood encircled by hoops of metal—has never fundamentally changed.—
Andy Vasoyan,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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The free version comes with up to 2 GB of storage, which is plenty for basic content like documents.—
Brenda Stolyar,
Wired News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The comptroller’s broader agenda also prioritizes universal afterschool programs in elementary and middle school, and improvements and the expansion of summer programs, such as Summer Rising and the Summer Youth Employment Program.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
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There are no plans to increase the student-teacher ratio at the elementary and intermediate schools.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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When a new student arrives in the middle of the year with rudimentary English skills, the bilingual aide helps them, and me, out by providing direct support that suits their needs.—
Jeremy DeLuca,
Hartford Courant,
19 Mar. 2025
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Chase scenes are easily tracked over rich urban terrain, and shootouts tend to play out in clear, rudimentary compositions.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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One question from Wilson’s introductory press conference was a good snapshot into Mr. Unlimited.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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New Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs expressed his excitement about playing with quarterback Drake Maye in his introductory press conference Friday at Gillette Stadium.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The second question was whether education is what courts call a fundamental right.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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Guzmán Ariza remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rule of law, ensuring nationals and foreign citizens alike can trust in the protection of their fundamental rights in the Dominican Republic.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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