as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
even if you're not planning on becoming a scientist, you should have an elemental knowledge of chemistry
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Recent Examples of elemental
Sure, the movie eventually stumbles across a variety of recognizable genre signifiers (an ominous circle of mushrooms, a row of bushes that ward off local spirits, a puddle that shudders while the rest of the world lies still, etc.), but only after it’s set its terms on a more elemental level.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
The song’s tender emotional resonance speaks to the feeling of loss on a nearly elemental level.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
As much as possible, the most elemental steps are to be surfaced, and then they can each be separately resolved.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
On a sort of elemental level — consciously, unconsciously, whatever — my mom became part of the cover.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
The song’s tender emotional resonance speaks to the feeling of loss on a nearly elemental level.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
As much as possible, the most elemental steps are to be surfaced, and then they can each be separately resolved.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
On a sort of elemental level — consciously, unconsciously, whatever — my mom became part of the cover.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
Adjective
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The challenges of protecting a world-famous trans daughter aside, Wade is trying to navigate the basic father-teen dynamics.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
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At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.—
Marilú Almaguer,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The district’s elementary and middle schools were releasing students beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the junior high and high schools were planning to release students starting around 2 p.m.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2025
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Authorities said the two juveniles were elementary and middle school age, Alaska’s News Source reported.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The adjustable-length stirrups will suit a wide range of riders, holding onto a rudimentary handlebar and sitting on a floating seat unit long enough to take a passenger, and capable of moving independently from the robot's ... butt joints.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Apr. 2025
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Added to the chaos is the underlying rudimentary calculation of tariff levels that have produced wildly uneven and irrational effects on trading partners with no readily discernible policy value.—
Jerrold Lundquist,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For various introductory examples and further detailed indications about generating prompts prompting, see my coverage at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Completing an introductory period does not guarantee continued employment.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Now the data revolution is reimagining one of the game’s most fundamental tools: the bat.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
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Trump has 'fundamental misunderstanding': Expert Some economists and international trade experts told ABC News that the president's controversial trade policy could actually discourage firms from setting up factories on American soil.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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