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

Jacobson followed his father to Concordia College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1999. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026

And scattering experiments showed that, at an elementary level, reality was described by individual quanta, possessing specific properties common to all members of their species. —Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026

Graduate students can pursue degrees in counseling psychology, special education, elementary education, MSW, and MBA at Regis as well. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is another strong choice, with rotating exhibits on music, sci-fi and pop culture — topics that tend to land well with older elementary and middle school kids. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 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