What can be a one word for something which is not very advanced but is still interesting and elegant? I would be using this word in context for some math article I want to write.
Shorter and accurate words would be preferred. Thanks :)
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1Elegant is the word mathematicians would use, and shorter is almost always more elegant, provided the same generalizations are captured -- and whenever possible proven -- as in any longer version.– John LawlerMar 22, 2014 at 17:20
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@JohnLawler Elegant however, generally does not refer to elementary I think.– SawarnikMar 22, 2014 at 17:21
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The most elegant proof I've ever seen is Euclid's on the infinity of primes. And it's one of the most elementary.– John LawlerMar 22, 2014 at 17:29
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1Elegance is a synonym for beautiful that has come to acquire the additional connotations of unusual effectiveness and simplicity. And in OP's context we can reasonably suppose that beautiful = interesting.– FumbleFingersMar 22, 2014 at 17:58
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How about 'logical'– DanieldMar 23, 2014 at 12:55
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8 Answers
You might say it has elegant simplicity.
answered Mar 22, 2014 at 17:42
Consider neat as in "a neat proof."
Simple, clear, and synonyms thereof.
answered Mar 22, 2014 at 17:42
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3I think that this doesn't describe the interest in the subject. If I say that something is simple it usually means that it doesn't interest me.– JacobMar 22, 2014 at 22:34
In mathematics both integral [below] and functional could be used for a core mathematics class.
necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.
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This is not what I mean actually. I meant mathematics which is not very advanced, which doesn't relate to how easy it might be. Infact, it might not be effortless at all.– SawarnikMar 22, 2014 at 17:34
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I would update your question. Elementary math is really easy for most.– RyeɃreḁdMar 22, 2014 at 17:37
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Visually pleasing, less brainstorming, cleaner, slim, easily digestive, simple, etc.
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Less brainstorming and easily digestive sound odd. Shouldn't the second be digestible or easily digested? Mar 23, 2014 at 9:55
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@Mari-LouA Thanks for the comment. Sure your makes more sense :) Mar 23, 2014 at 12:26
Elemental means basic and important; having the power of a force of nature.
The word conveys the sense that there is something essential or significant, while at the same time being basic or simple.
answered Mar 22, 2014 at 17:43
Maybe "tidy"? As in "We can build upon this tidy conclusion by ..."
I agree with @MattEckert that "neat" would be good, but I some younger readers might confuse it for the colloquial "neat-o". You could convert that to an adverb: "This neatly illustrates the point that ..."
Perhaps economical? it can be used to refer to proofs as having few steps, but still has a positive connotation (if not one of elegance, per se).
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1Umm, I dont see how it relates to being not very advanced or interesting.– SawarnikMar 22, 2014 at 17:42