Elementary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē/ el·e·men·ta·ry

Meaning & Definition of Elementary

Elementary (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something
  2. of or relating to an elementary school
  3. elemental

Elementary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject

    "students who do not have even an elementary knowledge of geography"

    similar: abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying
    related: primal, primary, prime, simple, crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated, preliminary, preparatory, crucial, important, key
    opposite: advanced
    near: complex, sophisticated, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate, developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

Related Entry: Elementary school (noun)

Elementary school is a different word from Elementary. The synonyms below are for elementary school, not for elementary.

  1. as in high school, public school

    similar: common school, grammar school, high school, junior high school, kindergarten, middle school, primary school, public school, secondary school, senior high school, trade school, training school, academe, academy, school, seminary, boarding school, prep, preparatory school, prep school, charter school, magnet school, minischool, madrassa, Sunday school, yeshiva

Related Entry: Elementary schools (noun)

Elementary schools is a different word from Elementary. The synonyms below are for elementary schools, not for elementary.

  1. as in high schools, public schools

    similar: common schools, grammar schools, high schools, junior high schools, kindergartens, middle schools, primary schools, public schools, secondary schools, senior high schools, trade schools, training schools, academes, academies, schools, seminaries, boarding schools, preparatory schools, preps, prep schools, charter schools, magnet schools, minischools, madrassas, Sunday schools, yeshivas

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Elementary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Elementary:

abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Elementary

Words with the opposite meaning of Elementary:

advanced

Related Words for Elementary

primal, primary, prime, simple, crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated, preliminary, preparatory, crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms of Elementary

complex, sophisticated, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate, developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

Word Forms of Elementary

Derived words: elementarily (adverb), elementariness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Elementary

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Elementary

Words & Phrases Containing Elementary

elementary charge, elementary particle, elementary school

Frequently Asked Questions about Elementary

What does "Elementary" mean?

"Elementary" means of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something.

What is another word for "Elementary"?

Other words for "Elementary" include abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental and introductory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Elementary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Elementary"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Elementary". Common alternatives include abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes and rudimental.

What is the opposite of "Elementary"?

Antonyms of "Elementary" include advanced. Near antonyms include complex, sophisticated, complicated and convoluted.

How do you use "Elementary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Elementary" in a sentence: "students who do not have even an elementary knowledge of geography".

Is "Elementary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Elementary" is an adjective.

Is "Elementary" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Elementary" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Elementary"?

"Elementary" is pronounced /ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē/ and divided into syllables as el·e·men·ta·ry.