elemental
eh-luh-MEHN-tuhl
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.”
adj
1
Basic and fundamental, related to a core building block rather than something complex or refined.
"There was something elemental about the fear he felt in the storm."
"The song strips music back to its most elemental form: just voice and drum."
How to use elemental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBasic, raw, or fundamental — often used for powerful natural forces or the simplest version of something.
Common pairings
elemental force
elemental fear
elemental power
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Word forms
- Plural
- elementals
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for elemental
mental
dental
rental
parental
Oriental
accidental
ornamental
judgmental
incidental
monumental
regimental
incremental
See all 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.
