Element
ˈɛlɪmənt
Definitions
3 meaningsA basic or essential part of something.
ˈɛlɪmənt
A fundamental constituent of a whole.
Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
💡 Simply: An element is like one of the ingredients in a recipe, or one of the blocks used to build something. For example, iron is an element because it can't be broken down into simpler stuff.
👶 For kids: An element is a basic part of something, like the letters in a word!
More Examples
The elements of a successful business plan include market research and financial projections.
The core elements of the treaty included a commitment to reduce emissions.
How It's Used
"Hydrogen and oxygen are elements."
"The elements of a good story include plot, characters, and setting."
The natural forces of weather, especially wind, rain, and sun.
ˈɛlɪmənt
A natural environment.
The hikers were exposed to the elements.
💡 Simply: The elements are the forces of nature, like wind, rain, sunshine, and storms. Imagine you're on a boat battling strong winds and waves; you're battling the elements!
👶 For kids: The elements are things like wind, rain, and sun.
More Examples
The ship fought the elements during the storm.
They weathered the elements and completed their journey.
How It's Used
"The sailors were at the mercy of the elements."
"She felt at home in the elements."
A group or class of people, typically a problematic one.
ˈɛlɪmənt
A group or division in a large body of people.
The police are trying to control the criminal element.
💡 Simply: An element can be a specific part or group of people within something bigger. Like, if there's a 'troublemaking element' in a neighborhood, it means a group of people causing problems.
👶 For kids: An element is a group of people.
More Examples
There's a conservative element within the community.
The disruptive element was quickly removed from the meeting.
How It's Used
"There's a radical element within the party."
"The criminal element of the city."
Idioms & expressions
back to the elements
To return to nature; to die.
"After a life of adventure, he decided to go back to the elements and live a simple life in the mountains."
From Latin *elementum*, of uncertain origin, possibly related to the letters L, M, N, and T, or to 'the building blocks'. Became associated with the basic components of matter by the Middle Ages.
Historically, the term 'element' was associated with the classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water).
Memory tip
Think of the basic building blocks - like the elements on the periodic table. They're the foundation!
Word Origin
"basic principle, first principle, constituent"