elemental
Elemental (adj) means Basic and fundamental, related to a core building block rather than something complex or refined. Example: “There was something elemental about the fear he felt in the storm.”
How to use elemental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBasic, raw, or fundamental — often used for powerful natural forces or the simplest version of something.
Word forms
elementals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was something _____ about the fear he felt in the storm.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin elementālis, built from element plus the adjective suffix -al.
Rhymes for elemental
Frequently asked questions
What does “elemental” mean?
The word “elemental” means basic and fundamental, related to a core building block rather than something complex or refined. In plain terms, basic, raw, or fundamental — often used for powerful natural forces or the simplest version of something.
How do you pronounce “elemental”?
“Elemental” is pronounced eh-luh-MEHN-tuhl (/(ˌ)ɛləˈmɛntəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “elemental” in a sentence?
Here is “elemental” used in a sentence: “There was something elemental about the fear he felt in the storm.”
What part of speech is “elemental”?
“Elemental” is an adjective.
Where does the word “elemental” come from?
The word “elemental” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin elementālis, built from element plus the adjective suffix -al.
Is “elemental” a common word?
“Elemental” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.