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Definition of elementary

elementary

/ˌɛl.əˈmɛn.tə.ɹi/
el · e · men · ta · ry
Adverb:elementarily
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elementary Lexical Profile

elementary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to the most basic, foundational, or introductory aspects of a subject.

Example

"Students must master elementary algebra before progressing to calculus."

2

Straightforward, uncomplicated, and easily understood or accomplished.

Example

"The investigator realized that the solution to the mystery was quite elementary once all the clues were assembled."

3

In chemistry and physics, not decomposable into simpler components; consisting of a single chemical element or fundamental subatomic particle.

Example

"Quarks and leptons are classified as elementary particles because they have no known internal substructure."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

'Elementary' refers to basic, introductory principles or early education, whereas 'elemental' refers to powerful forces of nature or fundamental, primal human emotions.

• Rhymes for elementary

• Nearby Words

elemental
elementally
elementarily
elementary
elepaio
elephant
elephant bird

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Latin elementarius ('belonging to the rudiments or first principles'), derived from elementum ('first principle, fundamental component, or letter of the alphabet').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Elementary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/elementary
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