elementary
word
/ˌɛɫəˈmɛntɝɹi/
el-uh-MEN-tuh-ree
/ˌɛlɪmˈɛntəɹi/
el-i-MEN-tuh-ree
Definition
Describes something basic, fundamental, or at the simplest level. Often used for early stages of learning or for essential principles.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in education ("elementary school" = primary school). Can refer to simple concepts or basic skills. More formal than "basic," and not used to describe people. Sometimes used to mean "obvious" in technical or scientific contexts.
Spanish: elemental - básico - inicialPortuguese (BR): elementar - básico - inicialPortuguese (PT): elementar - básico - inicialChinese (Simplified): 基础的 - 初级的Chinese (Traditional): 基礎的 - 初級的Hindi: मूलभूत - प्राथमिकArabic: أولي - أساسيBengali: মৌলিক - প্রাথমিকRussian: элементарный - начальныйJapanese: 初歩的な - 基本的なVietnamese: cơ bản - sơ cấpKorean: 기초적인 - 초등의Turkish: temel - başlangıç düzeyindeUrdu: بنیادی - ابتدائیIndonesian: dasar - tingkat dasar
Example Sentences
She is learning elementary English at school.
basic
Gravity is an elementary force in physics.
basic
This book covers elementary math only.
basic
He solved the problem using an elementary method.
natural
Her elementary understanding of cooking was enough to make pasta.
natural
You need at least an elementary knowledge of computers for this job.
natural