rudimentary

/ˌruːdɪˈmentəri/ (American pronunciation)

Origin

From Latin "rudimentum" meaning "first attempt, beginning, first experience"

Meanings

1. Basic, elementary, or fundamental
2. In an early stage of development; undeveloped or primitive
3. Consisting of the most basic or essential parts

Example Sentences

1. The cave paintings showed a rudimentary understanding of perspective.
2. She had only a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish before moving to Mexico.
3. The first computers were rudimentary compared to today's advanced machines.

Related Words

• Forms:
  • Noun: rudiment
  • Adverb: rudimentarily
• Synonyms:
  • elementary
  • basic
  • primitive
  • fundamental
  • nascent

Memorization Trick

Think "RUDE-imentary": Something rudimentary might seem "rude" or unrefined because it's so basic or undeveloped.