elementary
UK: ˌelɪˈmentri | US: ˌelɪˈmentəri
adj. relating to the basic or essential parts of something
adj. introductory or fundamental in nature
adj. (chemistry) pertaining to elements or composed of a single element
The word "elementary" derives from the Latin elementarius, meaning "pertaining to first principles." The root element- refers to the basic components of matter (as in the classical elements: earth, air, fire, water) or foundational knowledge. The suffix -ary (from Latin -arius) forms adjectives indicating relation or connection. Over time, "elementary" expanded from describing physical elements to abstract fundamentals, such as education ("elementary school") or logic ("elementary reasoning").
The book covers elementary concepts in physics.
She teaches at an elementary school in Chicago.
Solving this problem requires only elementary math skills.
The detective dismissed the clue as too elementary.
Hydrogen is the most elementary substance in the universe.