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

Such experiences have pushed Cohesity to provide explicit instructions on seemingly elementary things from managing calendars to the etiquette of meetings. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025

Also this month, our upper elementary students began their regular visits to Poway Gardens, alocal memory care facility near our school. —Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

As the new school year began, there might have been fewer smiles among elementary students hoping to get a therapeutic snuggle from their favorite four-legged companion. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025

Mark Russell is a commercial real estate broker and his wife Heather is an elementary schoolteacher. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 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