elementary

[ˌelɪˈmɛntəri]

elementary Definition

  • 1relating to the first stages of something; basic and fundamental
  • 2relating to or denoting the basic, essential, or fundamental part of something

Using elementary: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "elementary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The book provides an elementary introduction to quantum mechanics.

  • Example

    The teacher gave us an elementary explanation of the concept.

  • Example

    The course covers elementary algebra and geometry.

  • Example

    The experiment involves elementary particles.

elementary Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with elementary

  • a school for young children, typically those aged between five and eleven

    Example

    I went to an elementary school in my hometown.

  • a subatomic particle that cannot be broken down into smaller particles

    Example

    The Higgs boson is an elementary particle.

  • the branch of mathematics that deals with equations and algebraic structures in which both operands are numbers

    Example

    The course covers elementary algebra and geometry.

Origins of elementary

from Latin 'elementarius', from 'elementum' meaning 'principle'

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Summary: elementary in Brief

The term 'elementary' [ˌelɪˈmɛntəri] refers to the first stages of something, or the basic and fundamental part of something. It can describe a simple or rudimentary explanation or introduction, as in 'The teacher gave us an elementary explanation of the concept.' It also extends to fields like mathematics, where 'elementary algebra' is a basic branch of study.

How do native speakers use this expression?