Elementally

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a basic manner, the term signifies the core principles that are intrinsic to an object or idea, focusing on the most fundamental and essential characteristics present in a subject
2. In a manner relating to the essential, core aspects of something
3. Expressing the nature or principles at the most basic level

Etymology: "Elementally" is simply "elemental" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, and the suffix has a long pedigree of its own. It descends from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "body" or "form," which hardened into the ending "-lic" in Old English and later wore down to "-ly" in Middle English. The same ending turns countless adjectives into adverbs, so "elementally" follows the everyday pattern rather than being a special coinage. The base word, "elemental," comes from "element," which English took from Latin "elementum," used for the basic substances or building blocks of matter. Adding "-al" yielded the adjective, and the adverb then describes something done in the manner of those fundamental forces or substances: acting "elementally" means acting as if powered by the raw natural elements themselves.

Synonyms: fundamentally, basically, essentially, intrinsically, primarily

Antonyms: superficially, secondarily, incidentally, marginally, peripherally