/ ˌelɪˈmentri; NAmE / adjective
1.
in or connected with the first stages of a course of study :
an elementary English course
a book for elementary students
at an elementary level
—compare primary , secondary
2.
of the most basic kind :
the elementary laws of economics
an elementary mistake
3.
very simple and easy :
elementary questions
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense composed of the four elements, earth, air, fire, and water ): from Latin elementarius , from elementum principle, translating Greek stoikheion step, component part. Current senses date from the mid 16th cent.