elementary

el·e·men·ta·ry

adj \ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\

Definition of ELEMENTARY

1

a : of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something <an elementary course> b : of or relating to an elementary school <an elementary curriculum>

2

: elemental 1a, b

3

: elemental 2

— el·e·men·ta·ri·ly \-ˌmen-ˈter-ə-lē, -ˈmen-trə-lē\ adverb

— el·e·men·ta·ri·ness \-ˈmen-tə-rē-nəs, -ˈmen-trē-\ noun

Examples of ELEMENTARY

1. He is lacking even the most elementary notions of fairness.
2. The researchers made an elementary error.
3. He has an elementary understanding of calculus.

First Known Use of ELEMENTARY

14th century

Related to ELEMENTARY

Synonyms: abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms: advanced

Related Words: primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms: complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

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Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

Rhymes with ELEMENTARY

complementary, documentary, double entry, mockumentary, rudimentary, sedimentary, single entry, supplementary, testamentary