elementary

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Dealing with the simplest and most basic parts of a subject, the ones you must learn first.

   Grammar: Often placed before a noun: elementary knowledge. It can also follow be: the questions were elementary.

   Patterns

   • elementary knowledge/skills
   • an elementary course

   She took an elementary course in Spanish before moving to Madrid.

   Knowing how to add is an elementary skill in math.

   The mistake showed he lacked elementary knowledge of the rules.

2. 2adjectiveafter a verbinformal

   Easy to do or understand, requiring very little effort.

   Grammar: Used after be or seem: the puzzle was elementary. Often used to say something is obvious.

   Patterns

   • be elementary

   Once you see the pattern, the puzzle is elementary.

   The detective said the solution was elementary.

3. 3adjectivebefore a nounAmerican

   Relating to the first years of formal school, usually for children aged about five to eleven.

   Grammar: Used mainly in American English before school, teacher or education: elementary school.

   Patterns

   • elementary school
   • elementary education

   My sister teaches at an elementary school near the park.

   Elementary students walk home together after class.

   He first learned to play violin in elementary school.

Word forms

Common combinations

elementary school

The elementary school holds its sports day in June.

elementary education

Elementary education begins with learning to read.

elementary knowledge

A new driver needs elementary knowledge of road signs.

elementary principles

The lecture covered the elementary principles of physics.

elementary mistake

Forgetting to save the file is an elementary mistake.

Synonyms and how they differ

basic

Basic is the most common everyday word and suits tools and ideas as well as lessons, while elementary hints at the first stage of learning.

fundamental

Fundamental stresses that something forms the foundation and is vital, not merely simple.

simple

Simple describes anything uncomplicated, with no connection to a learning stage.

rudimentary

Rudimentary suggests something so basic that it is undeveloped or crude, so it can sound critical.

Opposites

Word family

element noun

a basic part or ingredient of something

elementally adverb

in a basic or fundamental way

elemental adjective

basic, or relating to natural forces

Commonly confused: elementary or elemental?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “elementary”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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