Synonyms for

Elementary

Verb / ˌelʌˈmentri: / / ˌelʌˈmentɜ:ri: / / ˌelʌˈmentʃri: / Another word for elementary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Elementary means basic, fundamental, or relating to the first principles of a subject.

Synonyms & similar words

elemental uncomplicated simple unproblematic primary Basic Fundamental Primary Elemental Introductory Underlying Essential Initial Foundational Preliminary Radical Simple Easy Plain Uncomplicated Unsophisticated Straightforward Fundamentalist Radical Primitive

Synonyms by register

Formal

basic fundamental rudimentary primary

Informal

simple easy basic straightforward

Literary

primeval nascent primal

Antonyms

complex advanced difficult complicated sophisticated involved

Common collocations

  • elementary school
  • elementary particle
  • elementary steps
  • elementary principles
  • elementary algebra
  • elementary education
  • elementary stage

Word family

noun element
adjective elementary
adverb elementally

Usage note

Often used to describe the earliest stages of learning or the most basic components of something. Avoid using it for things that are merely simple but have a deeper complexity.

Example sentences

  1. The elementary school's playground was filled with children playing.
  2. The teacher explained the elementary principles of physics.
  3. He was studying elementary chemistry in college.
  4. She learned the elementary techniques of cooking in the culinary school.
  5. The elementary level of the book was perfect for young children.

Quotes

  • Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. - William Butler Yeats
  • The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
  • You can never be overdressed or overeducated. - Oscar Wilde

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