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.

In elementary school, I was rambunctious and outgoing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

When asked where at school they’ve been bullied in the past month, 14% of elementary students and 18% of both middle- and high-school students reported it happening in the cafeteria.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

There is one more sibling but it’s a boy in elementary school.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

This ultimate step will allow definitive claims to be made, potentially unlocking a new understanding of how the universe works at the most elementary level.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

We’d had the same classes all through elementary school, and we always sat next to each other.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

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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