component
Component (noun) means one of the individual parts that make up a larger whole. Example: “A faulty component caused the engine to stall.”
Word forms
components plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A faulty _____ caused the engine to stall.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin compōnēns, compōnēntis, present participle of compōnō (“assemble, put together”).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for component
See all rhymes for component →Frequently asked questions
What does “component” mean?
The word “component” means one of the individual parts that make up a larger whole.
How do you pronounce “component”?
“Component” is pronounced kuhm-POH-nuhnt (/kəmˈpoʊ.nənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “component” in a sentence?
Here is “component” used in a sentence: “A faulty component caused the engine to stall.”
What part of speech is “component”?
“Component” is a noun.
Is “component” a common word?
“Component” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "component" and "part"?
Both mean a piece of a larger whole, but "component" is more technical and suggests a distinct, functional unit designed to fit into a system, such as an electronic component. "Part" is broader and more everyday, covering any piece of something.
What is the difference between "component" and "element"?
A "component" is usually a physical or defined piece that combines with others to build something, like a component of an engine. An "element" is a more abstract or fundamental aspect, such as "an element of surprise," or a chemical element.
Can "component" be used as an adjective?
Yes. "Component" can describe something that is one of the parts making up a whole, as in "component parts" or "component costs." In this use it means "constituent" or "making up the whole."
What is the difference between "component" and "ingredient"?
An "ingredient" is one of the substances combined to make a food, mixture, or recipe, while a "component" is a part of a machine, system, or structure. You would list ingredients in a cake but components in a computer.
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