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.

Last year, the Palisades fire destroyed their elementary school, Seven Arrows.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

"At elite sports schools, talented students were usually selected and trained from elementary or middle school."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Cynthia Kuo, a 29-year-old elementary school teacher, said Trump was the "kind of person who just says whatever pops into his head."

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

That includes Liguori Academy, a high school that offers building trades training, and St. Francis de Sales, a Catholic elementary school.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“I made my way to Big Round Pumpkin from the heights of the Himalayan mountains. I think I can find your elementary school that’s three blocks away from your apartment.”

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins

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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