Dictionary of troublesome word. Bill Bryson. 2013.
elemental, elementary — Elemental refers to things that are basic or primary: Physiology is an elemental part of a medical students studies. Elementary means simple or introductory: This phrase book provides an elementary guide to Spanish … Dictionary of troublesome word
elemental, elementary — Although these words have a shared meaning of dealing with, or referring to, agencies and forces of nature, they are distinguished in ordinary usage. Elemental is applied to basic elements such as power, size, or strength (the elemental force of… … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
elemental — elemental, elementary Elemental refers primarily to the forces of nature and in particular to the ancient belief in the ‘four elements’ of earth, water, air, and fire, as in elemental fire / elemental forces / elemental spirits / etc. Elementary … Modern English usage
elementary — elemental, elementary Elemental refers primarily to the forces of nature and in particular to the ancient belief in the ‘four elements’ of earth, water, air, and fire, as in elemental fire / elemental forces / elemental spirits / etc. Elementary … Modern English usage
elemental — *elementary Analogous words: *ultimate, categorical, absolute: *primary, prime, primordial … New Dictionary of Synonyms
elemental — See elemental, elementary … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
elementary — See elemental, elementary … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
elementary — elementary, elemental are often confused. Something is elementary which pertains to rudiments or beginnings; something is elemental which pertains to the elements, especially to the ultimate and basic constituents or forces {an elementary… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
elemental — , elementary Elemental refers to things that are basic or primary: Physiology is an elemental part of a medical student’s studies. Elementary means simple or introductory: This phrase book provides an elementary guide to Spanish … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
Elemental — El e*men tal ([e^]l [ e]*m[e^]n tal), a. 1. Pertaining to the elements, first principles, and primary ingredients, or to the four supposed elements of the material world; as, elemental air. Elemental strife. Pope. [1913 Webster] 2. Pertaining to… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
