elementary
adj.adj. describing something that is very simple, basic, or easy to understand. You use this for the first steps of learning a subject.
adj. relating to the most basic or fundamental aspects of a subject; straightforward and uncomplicated in nature. Often used to describe introductory levels of education or logical deductions that require little effort.
The teacher explains the elementary rules of grammar to the new students.
Solving the first puzzle was elementary, but the later levels required much more focus and strategy.
While the initial calculations appeared elementary to the senior engineers, the junior staff struggled to grasp the underlying principles governing the structural integrity of the bridge.
From Middle English elementare, from Latin elementārius (“elementary”), from elementum (“one of the four elements of antiquity; fundamentals”) + -ārius (adjective-forming suffix). Cognate with French élémentaire. By surface analysis, element + -ary.
Typically precedes the noun it modifies; frequently collocated with 'principles', 'mistake', or 'level'.
He made an elemental mistakeHe made an elementary mistakeLearners confuse 'elementary' (simple/basic) with 'elemental' (related to the powerful forces of nature).