C1 noun Neutral

elementary

/ˌɛl.ɪˈmɛn.tər.i/

In an academic context, the term refers to the fundamental principles or basic rudiments that constitute the foundation of a field of study. It represents the irreducible building blocks or the primary stage of knowledge required before moving to complex analysis.

Examples

3 of 5
1

To truly understand the software, one must first master the elementaries of its coding language.

To truly understand the software, one must first master the elementaries of its coding language.

2

The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.

The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.

3

Don't get ahead of yourself; you still haven't grasped the elementaries of the game.

Don't get ahead of yourself; you still haven't grasped the elementaries of the game.

Word Family

Noun
element
Adverb
elementarily
Adjective
elementary
Related
elementalism
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Memory Tip

Think of the Periodic Table: an 'element' is the simplest form of matter that cannot be broken down further. Likewise, 'elementaries' are the simplest forms of knowledge.

Quick Quiz

Before we discuss advanced astrophysics, we must revisit the ______ of Newtonian physics.

Correct!

The correct answer is: elementaries

Examples

1

To truly understand the software, one must first master the elementaries of its coding language.

everyday

To truly understand the software, one must first master the elementaries of its coding language.

2

The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.

formal

The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.

3

Don't get ahead of yourself; you still haven't grasped the elementaries of the game.

informal

Don't get ahead of yourself; you still haven't grasped the elementaries of the game.

4

The curriculum is designed to ensure that students internalize the elementaries of logic before pursuing advanced philosophy.

academic

The curriculum is designed to ensure that students internalize the elementaries of logic before pursuing advanced philosophy.

5

Successful negotiation requires a firm command of the elementaries of supply chain economics.

business

Successful negotiation requires a firm command of the elementaries of supply chain economics.

Word Family

Noun
element
Adverb
elementarily
Adjective
elementary
Related
elementalism

Common Collocations

master the elementaries master the elementaries
grasp the elementaries grasp the elementaries
teaching the elementaries teaching the elementaries
study the elementaries study the elementaries
beyond the elementaries beyond the elementaries

Common Phrases

back to elementaries

back to elementaries

the elementaries of the case

the elementaries of the case

elementaries of knowledge

elementaries of knowledge

Often Confused With

elementary vs elements

Elements usually refers to physical components or parts of a set, while 'the elementaries' specifically denotes the basic principles or the initial level of learning.

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Usage Notes

While 'elementary' is most commonly used as an adjective, it is used substantively in high-level academic or philosophical discourse to refer to the basic rudiments (often in the plural 'elementaries'). It implies a level of simplicity that is necessary for later sophistication.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the word 'elementary' only to describe a type of school; at C1 level, you should recognize its use in describing the fundamental components of any discipline.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the Periodic Table: an 'element' is the simplest form of matter that cannot be broken down further. Likewise, 'elementaries' are the simplest forms of knowledge.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'elementarius', derived from 'elementum', meaning a 'first principle' or 'rudiment'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a collective plural when referring to basics Follows verbs of cognition (grasp, understand, master) Often followed by the preposition 'of'
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Cultural Context

In English-speaking cultures, the word is deeply tied to 'Elementary School,' the foundational stage of the education system.

Quick Quiz

Before we discuss advanced astrophysics, we must revisit the ______ of Newtonian physics.

Correct!

The correct answer is: elementaries

Related Phrases

Related Words

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tropical

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Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

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A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

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threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

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russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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