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.

The playground of the preschool section at the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The alleged victims were third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in Berndt’s classroom at Miramonte Elementary School between 1988 and 2011.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Jones was forced to sell the outlet following a successful defamation suit against Jones by the parents of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting victims.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

What I saw, primarily, were mobile-home parks, next to Ben Hill Griffin Elementary.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

I don’t know the picture he had of me, so I make it the one from Will Rogers Elementary School in Edmond, Oklahoma.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Vocabulary lists containing elementary

Animal Farm

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!