Words / B2

el-i-MENTR-ee/ˌelɪˈmentri/

Elementary means very simple and basic, or of the first stages of a subject: an elementary error; elementary particles. Basic and simple are close twins; primary school is the usual British term — elementary school is American. An elementary error in the working still needs the named step. Mix-up: elementary vs element (already in the dictionary); alimentary; do not write elementary as a synonym for a British primary school unless the source is US.

Meaning

Very simple and basic; also of the first stages of a subject (not the usual British word for primary school).

Examples

• “An elementary error in the working still needs the named step, the mark scheme said.”
• “Elementary particles featured in the physics paper, which is the first-principles sense — still name the particle.”

Good to know

an elementary error / particle / course. Close: basic / simple. US trap: elementary school = primary school. Related: element. Maths, physics, and education. Basic, or first-stage — not the usual UK word for primary school.

Near in meaning

basic, simple, rudimentary

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