What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elementary
Example
The teacher explained the elementary concepts of mathematics. [elementary: adjective]
Example
The book provides an elementary introduction to computer programming. [elementary: adjective]
rudimentary
Example
The bird's nest was made of rudimentary materials such as twigs and leaves. [rudimentary: adjective]
Example
The child's drawing showed only rudimentary shapes and lines. [rudimentary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elementary is more commonly used than rudimentary in everyday language. Elementary is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rudimentary is more limited in scope and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elementary and rudimentary?
Both elementary and rudimentary are relatively informal words, but rudimentary may be perceived as more technical or scientific due to its limited scope.
