Elementary

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌɛlɪˈmɛntəɹi/

Definitions

1. relating to the most basic or fundamental aspects of a subject; simple and straightforward
2. relating to the foundational or basic principles of a subject while being characterized by simplicity and clarity
3. Concerning the essential parts or earliest aspects of something ; easy to grasp or comprehend due to lack of complexity

Etymology: The sense "very basic" grew out of an older, more literal one. Latin "elementum" originally referred to the four elements of ancient philosophy (earth, air, fire and water), and from there came to mean the basic building blocks or first principles of anything. "Elementarius" in Latin meant something like "relating to the basic elements," and it passed into Middle English as "elementare" with that same sense of pertaining to first principles. Over time, the idea of being fundamental shaded into the idea of being simple, since the first principles of a subject are the parts a beginner must learn first. That is how "elementary" came to mean "very basic" as well as "relating to basic principles." The phrase "elementary school," for a school teaching those first lessons, reflects the same shift.

Synonyms: basic, fundamental, primary, simple, introductory

Antonyms: advanced, complex, difficult, sophisticated, higher