(ˌ)ɛlɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹɪ ˌɛlɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi ˈpɹaɪməɹi ˈpɹaɪməɹi ˈpɹɒeməɹi ˈsɪmpəl easy and not involved or complicated an elementary problem in statistics elementary, my dear Watson a simple game found an uncomplicated solution to the problem of or being the essential or basic part an elementary need for love and nurturing a basal reader of or pertaining to or characteristic of elementary school or elementary education the elementary grades elementary teachers