Word of the day: RUDIMENT

Pronunciation: ru·di·ment UK/ˈruː.dɪ.mənt/ US/ˈruː.də.mənt/

Meaning

A basic principle, element, or fundamental stage of something.

Origin and History

The word "rudiment" itself comes from the Latin word rudīmentum, meaning early training or initial stage.

Rudiments originated in 14th-century military drumming to coordinate Swiss mercenary formations using polearms, with the tabor (early snare drum) signaling commands.

These patterns became the basis of the 40 Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Snare Drum Rudiments.

Examples from literature

  • Wilson bought a fabric-winged Gypsy Moth, christened it Ever Wrest, and learned the rudiments of flying.-Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
  • Even though the old man was utterly incompetent with regards to the rudiments of writing and speaking, the teacher was never less than polite and indulgent.-The Underground Railroad: A Novel by Colson Whitehead

Synonyms

  • Basics
  • Fundamentals
  • Elements
  • Essentials