Words / C1

rood-i-MENTR-ee/ˌruːdɪˈmentri/

Rudimentary means basic and not far developed: a rudimentary knowledge of French, rudimentary tools. Basic is everyday; primitive can sound insulting. Elementary is close for knowledge. It often implies “enough to start, not enough to rely on.” In speech, very basic or rough-and-ready is more natural. Do not use it as a fancy “simple” for a well-made object.

Meaning

Basic and not highly developed.

Examples

• “He has only a rudimentary knowledge of French.”
• “His map-reading was rudimentary, so we used the app.”
• “They built a rudimentary shelter from tarpaulin and rope.”

Good to know

rudimentary knowledge/skills. Very basic, underdeveloped. Everyday: very basic. Stronger than simple.

Near in meaning

basic

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