elementary

1 of 2

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

elementariness

2 of 2

noun

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ri·​ness ˌeləˈmentərēnə̇s 

-n‧trē-, 

-rin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being elementary

Synonyms of elementary

Adjective

• basic
• rudimentary
• introductory
• fundamental

Examples of elementary in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The district boasts 20 schools in all, with over a dozen neighborhood schools, three charter schools and two citywide schools, serving both elementary and high school-age students. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Saint followed her sister to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in elementary education. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

The minds of elementary and middle school students are more plastic and open to new things like learning a foreign language. — Doug Wojcieszak, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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