Spanish word

elemental

Pronunciation

IPA/elemenˈtal/

Meaning

  • adjectivebasic

Example

La lección es elemental.

The lesson is basic.

Illustration for elemental (basic)

More examples

Esto es elemental para la comunicación diaria.

This is basic for daily communication.

Core concept

Basic building block.

Common phrases

  • nivel elemental

    basic level

  • vocabulario elemental

    basic vocabulary

Similar words

básico: Teaches the simple, practical skills or facts learned first for everyday application.
esencial: Constitutes the essential element whose presence is required for the whole to work.
principal: Commands the central role as the most important element within a set.

Definition in Spanish

Que es básico o fundamental para comprender o aprender algo; propio de un nivel inicial.

Word origin

It comes from Latin elementum plus the adjectival suffix -alis via medieval Latin and ultimately from Greek stoicheion meaning 'element'.

Usage tips

  • In casual speech Spanish speakers usually prefer básico, while elemental sounds more like textbook or explanatory language.

Other meanings

  • elementaryadjective

Opposites

  • avanzadoadvancedadjective
  • complejocomplexadjective

Related words

  • elementoelementnoun
  • elementalmentebasicallyadverb

Word lists with this word