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.

Utah officials reported exposures at elementary schools, churches, an aquarium, Walmart stores, a ski resort and a youth gymnastics meet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

These children were in elementary school when Covid hit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Because they are so difficult to detect, neutrinos remain the least understood of all known elementary particles.

From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026

"I think we are still at a very elementary stage," said Yang Jianfei from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

In elementary school, you don’t get to pick a class just because you like it.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée

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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