elementary
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 5To 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.
The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.
The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.
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.
Antonyms
Word Family
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
To truly understand the software, one must first master the elementaries of its coding language.
everydayTo truly understand the software, one must first master the elementaries of its coding language.
The introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.
formalThe introductory lecture focused solely on the elementaries of constitutional law.
Don't get ahead of yourself; you still haven't grasped the elementaries of the game.
informalDon't get ahead of yourself; you still haven't grasped the elementaries of the game.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that students internalize the elementaries of logic before pursuing advanced philosophy.
academicThe curriculum is designed to ensure that students internalize the elementaries of logic before pursuing advanced philosophy.
Successful negotiation requires a firm command of the elementaries of supply chain economics.
businessSuccessful negotiation requires a firm command of the elementaries of supply chain economics.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
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.
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
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
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