elementary

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Very simple and easy to understand.

   The first chapter covers only elementary grammar.

2. 2
   adj

   Forming the basic part of something; serving as a foundation.

   Students must master the elementary rules before moving on.

3. 3
   adj

   Relating to the first years of school for young children.

   My daughter is in her last year of elementary school.

From Middle English elementare, from Latin elementārius (“elementary”), from elementum (“one of the four elements of antiquity; fundamentals”) + -ārius (adjective-forming suffix). Cognate with French élémentaire. By surface analysis, element + -ary.

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