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
For example, the ratio of iron to magnesium in the sun resembles that of Earth and Mars, leading scientists to believe that some elemental ratios in stars reflect that of their planets.
—
Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 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
The nine-course degustation is the way to go, with simple, elemental plates like lamb that’s slow-cooked for 24 hours, cured mackerel with a salad of lupini beans, and fish from the market in Nazaré with mushroom stew and a foie gras emulsion.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
His insatiable appetite for worlds comes out of an elemental necessity to ingest fertile planets for sustenance and to maintain balance in the cosmos, forever on the prowl in his world ship, the Taa II.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 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
The nine-course degustation is the way to go, with simple, elemental plates like lamb that’s slow-cooked for 24 hours, cured mackerel with a salad of lupini beans, and fish from the market in Nazaré with mushroom stew and a foie gras emulsion.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
His insatiable appetite for worlds comes out of an elemental necessity to ingest fertile planets for sustenance and to maintain balance in the cosmos, forever on the prowl in his world ship, the Taa II.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 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 Go Nuts For Reading program encourages elementary and middle school students to participate in an eight-book reading challenge at the beginning of the year, leading to free game tickets and a visit from the squirrel mascots, Nutzy and Nutasha.—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
9 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 22 Apr. 2025.
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