Basic
Basic adjective - Of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject.
Usage example: you'll need a basic knowledge of computers to get any sort of office work
Elementary is a synonym for basic in fundamental topic. In some cases you can use "Elementary" instead an adjective "Basic", when it comes to topics like property, initial, simple, vital. popular alternative
Elementary
Elementary adjective - Of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject.
Usage example: students who do not have even an elementary knowledge of geography
Basic is a synonym for elementary in property topic. You can use "Basic" instead an adjective "Elementary", if it concerns topics such as initial, simple, surface, primary. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
- A character, or more often a whole group of people, has something elementary and basic explained to them, but for some reason, they just aren't getting it.
Source: They Just Don't Get It -
Elementary students and younger often try to hug their teachers, but teachers are often told not to give their students basic human contact.
Source: The Un-Hug - There are many foreign students who learned their most basic English knowledge in elementary school, but improved it to fluency through the media.
Cite this Source
Elementary and Basic. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/basic/elementary
Basic & Elementary. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/basic/elementary>.
Elementary or Basic. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/basic/elementary.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "basic" and "elementary" have occurred on timeline