Element Meaning
/ˈɛlɪmənt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounOne of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.
nounOne of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based., Any one of the types of atom distinguished by having a certain number of protons in its nucleus.
Sentence Examples
Hard work is the main element of success.
Education is a critical element.
Any investment involves an element of risk.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Trust is a crucial ____ in any successful long-term relationship.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Hard work is the main ____ of success.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English element, from Old French element, from Latin elementum (“a first principle, element, rudiment”) (see further etymology there). The verb is from Middle English elementen, from the noun.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The simplicity which is so large an element in a noble nature was laughed to scorn."
— 1881, Benjamin Jowett, Thucydides:
"Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table. It is the simplest possible atom composed of one proton in the nucleus which is orbited by a single electron."
— 2013, “Elements for Kids — Hydrogen”, in www.duckster.com, archived from the original on 15 Jul 2013:
"The she asked the elements to send their spirits to her."
— 1965, Attila Zohar, Kings Cross Black Magic, Sydney: Horwitz Publications, page 59:
"Thus ſhall my heart be ſtil combinde with thine,
Untill our bodies turne to Elements:
And both our ſoules aſpire celeſtiall thrones."
— c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act I, scene ii:
"[…] the majority of names being compounded of two elements chosen from a stock of special name-words."
— 1945, E[lizabeth] G[idley] Withycombe, “Introduction”, in The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Clarendon Press, →OCLC, page xi:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Trust is a crucial ____ in any successful long-term relationship.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Hard work is the main ____ of success.