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rudimentary

adjective

/ˌruːdɪˈmɛnt(ə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of rudimentary

Basic, fundamental, or at an early stage of development, often lacking complexity, sophistication, or refinement.
"The shelter was rudimentary and not suitable for long-term habitation."

Detailed meaning of rudimentary

When a concept, skill, or object is described as rudimentary, it implies that it is in its simplest or most elementary form, serving as a foundation upon which more advanced or complex elements can be built. For example, a rudimentary understanding of a subject suggests a basic or introductory knowledge that serves as a starting point for deeper learning. In technology, a rudimentary prototype might be a basic version of a product or system, lacking advanced features or functionalities. "Rudimentary" emphasizes the simplicity and essential nature of something, highlighting its early or foundational stage in the development or understanding of a particular subject or concept.

Example sentences containing rudimentary

1. The machine was only in its rudimentary stage of development.
2. The knowledge of the subject was rudimentary at best.
3. The design was rudimentary and in need of improvement.
4. The tools were rudimentary and not very effective.
5. The system was rudimentary and outdated.
6. The skills of the workers were rudimentary and needed further training.

History and etymology of rudimentary

The adjective 'rudimentary' has its etymological origins in Latin. It stems from the Latin word 'rudimentum,' which means 'beginning' or 'first attempt.' In Latin, 'rudimentum' referred to the basic or elementary stages of learning or development. As the word entered the English language, it retained this sense of being at an early stage of development, often lacking complexity or sophistication. 'Rudimentary' conveys the idea of something basic, fundamental, or elementary, reflecting its Latin roots in the concept of beginnings and early stages. It suggests that the subject in question is in its most rudimentary form, still in the process of evolving or developing further.

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Further usage examples of rudimentary

1. The communication was rudimentary and difficult to understand.
2. The safety measures were rudimentary and inadequate.
3. The infrastructure was rudimentary and in need of upgrading.
4. The technology was rudimentary and had limited capabilities.
5. The medical equipment was rudimentary and not very advanced.
6. Their grasp of calculus is limited to rudimentary concepts.
7. Early humans devised rudimentary tools for survival.
8. The ancient civilization possessed a rudimentary understanding of astronomy.
9. Teaching beginners requires focusing on rudimentary skills.
10. His computer skills are still at a rudimentary stage.
11. The spacecraft's navigation system remains quite rudimentary.
12. Early aviation witnessed the development of rudimentary aircraft designs.
13. Their understanding of physics is at a rudimentary level.
14. Initial language development involves producing rudimentary sounds.
15. The cooking course covers both advanced and rudimentary techniques.
16. The documentary delves into the rudimentary aspects of ancient art.
17. The project is currently in its rudimentary planning phase.
18. The early web featured a rudimentary user interface.
19. The programming language offers rudimentary functionality.
20. Our comprehension of quantum mechanics remains rudimentary.
21. The robot's movements are controlled by rudimentary algorithms.
22. Early settlements relied on rudimentary forms of government.
23. The primitive tribe employed rudimentary agricultural methods.
24. The initial software version featured a rudimentary interface.
25. This model serves as a rudimentary representation of the final product.