elementary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite easy and not involved or complicated
    simple; unproblematic; uncomplicated.
    • an elementary problem in statistics
    • elementary, my dear Watson
    • a simple game
    • found an uncomplicated solution to the problem
  2. adjective of or pertaining to or characteristic of elementary school or elementary education
    • the elementary grades
    • elementary teachers
  3. adjective satellite of or being the essential or basic part
    primary; elemental.
    • an elementary need for love and nurturing

WordNet


El`e*men"ta*ry adjective
Etymology
L. elementarius: cf. F. élémentaire.
Definitions
  1. Having only one principle or constituent part; consisting of a single element; simple; uncompounded; as, an elementary substance.
  2. Pertaining to, or treating of, the elements, rudiments, or first principles of anything; initial; rudimental; introductory; as, an elementary treatise.
  3. Pertaining to one of the four elements, air, water, earth, fire. "Some luminous and fiery impressions in the elementary region." J. Spencer.

Webster 1913