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 had not taken... an elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 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

“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

A disabled 4-year-old boy was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment after he was found face down and unresponsive in an elementary school pool.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

All my friends in elementary school were Pakistani and Indian.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

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!