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 California law provides guidance on how much of an ingredient like sugar or salt can be in a food in order to be served to elementary and middle-school children, with a slightly different standard for high schoolers. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Master’s degrees in special education, elementary education and secondary education will be combined into a single master’s in teaching and learning. —Tory Basile, IndyStar, 7 Oct. 2025

Her vision led to a private, Muslim school system with nearly 40 schools across the country, serving elementary and middle school-aged children. —Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025

The elementary campus will be in the Joshua school district, Philips said. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 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