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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.

I attended a public elementary school in a small mill town in western Pennsylvania, and we had what we called “retention drills,” perhaps to make it sound less frightening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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

San Marcos Unified is blocking YouTube on district-issued devices for students in elementary school.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Scientists suspect that this subtle rotation could be linked to hypothetical elementary particles called axions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

But it is an elementary truth that the full significance of his actions was hidden from Galileo.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.