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.

He was an exceptional athlete back in elementary school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Even after I entered elementary school, I’d still dart into my room like I was running from a ghost anytime I heard anyone mention “family planning officers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

A nearby elementary school was closed as a precaution on Thursday after the wolf remained at large, and authorities have urged residents to take care and report any sightings.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“Unfortunately, this is my third rodeo,” said Carmel Levitan, who has two children at Eagle Rock elementary and high schools.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The most elementary experiment will show that ice floats no matter what its shape.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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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