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 of elementary

• 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

Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially. — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026

It was hit and miss, but overall those bookshelves were like the world itself, stretchy enough to accommodate, across decades, both a middle-aged lawyer and his elementary-school granddaughter. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

The students participated in Cobb County Superior Court's Courtroom to Classroom program, an initiative that introduces elementary students to the judicial system through a mock trial led by Chief Judge Anne Harris. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 13 July 2026

At the elementary level, enrollment numbers have plateaued, district officials say. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

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