elementary

el-e-men-ta-ry · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Relating to the basic elements of a subject; introductory or fundamental.

  2. 2.

    Relating to or denoting the first stages of education.

  3. 3.

    Simple, straightforward, and easy to understand or do.

  4. 4.

    (chemistry) Not decomposable into simpler elements.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    elementary school — a school for children in the early years of education (typically ages 5-11)
  • •
    elementary particle — a subatomic particle with no known substructure
  • •
    elementary, my dear Watson — a phrase associated with Sherlock Holmes (though not in the original stories)

Related words

Antonyms: advanced, complex, sophisticated
See also: basic, element, fundamental, primary
Synonyms: basic, fundamental, primary, rudimentary, simple

Etymology

From Latin elementarius ("of or pertaining to the elements or first principles"), from elementum ("element, first principle"). Entered English in the 14th century.