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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.

Walthart added that as a mother, she was concerned about safety, with a detention facility perched just a five-minute drive from the local elementary school.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

They decided 8-year-old Briana should stay at the same elementary school, to keep her with her friends and teacher.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Although she wants her child to attend her local elementary school for TK, she is awaiting information about their screen time use.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Only 43% of Chicago elementary and middle school students can read at grade level, and 27% were proficient in math on state tests in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The elementary school was only a block and a half away, it was true, and Nollie had gone there two years without difficulty.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom