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.

Not only are they many workers’ bosses, but with median salaries of $160,139 for elementary schools and $174,628 for higher grades, they make a lot more money.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 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

Her daughter’s elementary school once ran the cleaning-supplies budget dry before year-end, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

He was an exceptional athlete back in elementary school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

You don’t really get to pick anything in elementary school.

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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