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 Miami Beach, tech entrepreneur John Marshall built an elementary school that is expanding into a middle and soon a high school, called BaseCamp305, that he says instills an entrepreneurial spirit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

After Neukgu's escape from O-World, authorities swiftly shut down a nearby elementary school as a safety precaution.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

It was only around the fourth or fifth grade of elementary school that I finally realized, “Wait, maybe we’re a soy sauce shop.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

He skipped spring training his first two minor league seasons to complete his classes at Washburn and graduated in 1969 with a degree in elementary education.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

In fact, I felt like a student who has crammed for a difficult exam and then is tested on only the most elementary material.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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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