elementary
Translation
elementary, basic, fundamental, primary
Examples
This is an elementary question.
This is a basic question.
She teaches at an elementary school.
She teaches at a primary school.
Grammar Patterns
((elementary + noun)) basic This book explains elementary physics.
((elementary school)) primary school My daughter is in elementary school.
Similar Words
Synonyms: basic, fundamental, simple; Antonyms: advanced, complex
Etymology
From 'element' + the adjective-forming suffix '-ary'. It means 'relating to the elements or first principles'.
Memory Tips
Remember Sherlock Holmes's famous line, 'Elementary, my dear Watson!', used when explaining something very simple.