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

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Six years later, it remains mostly empty, aside from a small elementary school founded by Bhakta’s wife, with the bigger development plans called off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Basically, I was one of the few children with sight in that elementary school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

They demand proof before they are willing to accept elementary facts, much less claims about novel breakthroughs, and many of them have been skeptical about AI revolutionizing their industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

“Maybe you want to go to the elementary school instead?” the bus driver asked.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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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