element
EH-lih-muhnt
Element (noun) means a basic or essential part of something larger. Example: “Trust is a key element of any good relationship.”
noun
1
A basic or essential part of something larger.
"Trust is a key element of any good relationship."
"Surprise is an important element of good storytelling."
"Teamwork is an essential element of running a successful restaurant kitchen."
2
In chemistry, a substance made of only one type of atom, which cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
"Oxygen and gold are both chemical elements."
"Carbon is an element found in all living things."
"In chemistry class we learned to find each element on the periodic table."
3
A small but noticeable amount of a quality, or a heating part inside an appliance.
"There was an element of truth in what he said."
"The kettle stopped working because its heating element burned out."
"She spoke with an element of sadness that nobody missed."
How to use element
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA basic building block or essential piece of something — used for chemistry, ideas, and everyday parts of a situation.
Common mistake
In science, "element" means a pure substance (like iron); don't confuse it with "compound," which is two or more elements chemically combined (like water).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
key element
chemical element
element of surprise
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Word forms
- Plural
- elements
- Third person singular
- elements
- Past tense
- elemented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Trust is a key _____ of any good relationship.
Etymology
From Old French element, from Latin elementum, meaning a first principle or basic building block.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for element
cement
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
amazement
See all rhymes for element →
Frequently asked questions
What does “element” mean?
The word “element” means a basic or essential part of something larger. In plain terms, a basic building block or essential piece of something — used for chemistry, ideas, and everyday parts of a situation.
How do you pronounce “element”?
“Element” is pronounced EH-lih-muhnt (/ˈɛləmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “element” in a sentence?
Here is “element” used in a sentence: “Trust is a key element of any good relationship.”
What part of speech is “element”?
“Element” is a noun.
Where does the word “element” come from?
The word “element” comes from Latin. From Old French element, from Latin elementum, meaning a first principle or basic building block.
Is “element” a common word?
“Element” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “element” have?
“Element” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a basic or essential part of something larger.
What is the difference between an element and a component?
The two overlap, but there is a subtle distinction. An element is a basic, essential part of something, often abstract, like an element of surprise. A component is usually a distinct, separable part of a larger system, often something physical you could point to, such as a component of an engine.
What is the difference between an element and a factor?
An element is a part that makes up a whole, one of the ingredients that compose something. A factor is something that influences or contributes to a result. Trust is an element of a friendship, but stress might be a factor in why it breaks down. One builds; the other affects.
What is an example of an element?
Trust is often called a key element of a strong relationship, meaning an essential part of it. Other examples include an element of risk in an investment, or the elements of good design such as colour, balance, and space. In each case, element names a fundamental building block.
Does element always mean a chemical element?
No. In chemistry, an element is a pure substance like oxygen or gold that cannot be broken down further. But in everyday language, element simply means a basic or essential part of something larger, as in an element of a plan or a story. Context tells you which meaning applies.
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