Definitions

elementary

[el-uh-men-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˌɛl əˈmɛn tə ri, -tri /

ADJECTIVE

simple, basic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

elemental fundamental rudimentary straightforward underlying

WEAK

ABCs abecedarian basal beginning child's play clear duck soup easy essential facile foundational initial introductory meat and potatoes original plain prefatory preliminary primary primitive primo simplest simplex simplified substratal uncomplex uncomplicated

Antonyms

STRONGEST

additional advanced extra secondary

WEAK

abstruse complex complicated compound difficult hard intricate involved

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Elementary school children take diagnostic tests for phonics and spelling at the start of camp and again toward the end.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

“Math, so much of it, especially in the primary grades is hands-on,” said Nicole Estrada, a first-grade teacher at Lucille J. Smith Elementary in Lawndale.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

Elementary school-age children are receiving GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, despite that the medications aren’t being approved for obesity in this age group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Our tour ended at Robert Hill Lane Elementary School in Monterey Park, which hosts two murals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

I don’t know the picture he had of me, so I make it the one from Will Rogers Elementary School in Edmond, Oklahoma.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Vocabulary lists containing elementary

Animal Farm

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

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'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day

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