The term elemental is a qualifying adjective. Its use has to do with phenomena, situations or things that are considered central, fundamental in the space and time in which they happen or take place, which is why they cannot be dispensed with as it can be done with elements that are secondary. In addition, the elementary can also be the simplest since this adjective is also used to refer to skills or abilities that a person must have for a certain age and that are considered this way due to their simplicity and importance.
It is important to note that the idea of elemental comes precisely from the elements that make up nature: these four elements are earth, water, air and fire. Thus, it is clear to see that the idea of elemental conforms to this other notion of the most simple and straightforward, the most central to existence. When you say that something is elementary you are trying to convey this idea to make it clear that what you are talking about is relevant and essential.
The term elemental can be used in two ways: in a positive way or in a negative way. In the first case we observe examples such as when the expression "elementary education" is used. In this example, the adjective does not have a negative meaning but simply refers to the essential and relevant characteristic that this type of education has for the formation of the person. Elementary education, let us remember, is the one that children receive between the ages of 4 and 12 and which then allows them to form as people of integrity.
When the idea of elemental is used negatively, we witness expressions that denote the simplicity and the basics of something. This is clear when it is established that something is so elementary that it should be easily understood, implying that whoever cannot understand it is stupid or slow.
