elemental

el·e·men·tal

adj \ˌe-lə-ˈmen-t^əl\

Definition of ELEMENTAL

1

a : of, relating to, or being an element; specifically : existing as an uncombined chemical element b (1) : of, relating to, or being the basic or essential constituent of something : fundamental <elemental biological needs> (2) : simple, uncomplicated <elemental food> c : of, relating to, or dealing with the rudiments of something : elementary <taught elemental crafts to the children> d : forming an integral part : inherent <an elemental sense of rhythm>

2

: of, relating to, or resembling a great force of nature <the rains come with elemental violence> <elemental passions>

— elemental noun

— el·e·men·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of ELEMENTAL

1. an elemental difference between the two
2. Their elemental passion led to tragedy.
3. the elemental power of the storm
4. an elemental analysis of the solution

First Known Use of ELEMENTAL

15th century

Related to ELEMENTAL

Synonyms: abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elementary, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms: advanced

Related Words: primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms: complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

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Rhymes with ELEMENTAL

accidental, adjustmental, apartmental, biparental, compartmental, complemental, condimental, continental, departmental, detrimental, documental, excremental, firmamental, fundamental, governmental, grandparental, incidental, incremental, instrumental, managemental, monumental, nonjudgmental, occidental, oriental, ornamental, regimental, rudimental, sacramental, sentimental, supplemental, temperamental, transcendental