elements
English meaning: Elements
Definition
One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.
Example
“Letters are the elements of written language.”
Another example: “Hydrogen and oxygen are two of the most abundant elements in the universe.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural noun with broad meaning: the basic parts of something, the chemical substances of the periodic table, a person's natural environment ('in their element'), and (figuratively, 'the elements') the weather; neutral and very common in science and general use.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'elementum' (a first principle, rudiment), via Old French 'element', entering English in the 13th century.
Synonyms
- components
- parts
- factors
- constituents
- ingredients
- features
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- key elements
- basic elements
- chemical elements
- essential elements
- brave the elements
- elements of design
Word Forms
element (sing.); elements (pl.); elementary (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B