element
gb/ˈɛləmənt/ us/ˈɛləmənt/
B1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A fundamental or essential part
One of the basic parts that make up something.
Usage pattern:
[an/the] element of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'element' with 'ingredient'. 'Ingredient' is usually for food or recipes, while 'element' is broader.
Synonyms
component (Often used for mechanical or technical parts; 'element' is more general.)
Antonyms
whole (The complete thing, rather than a single part of it.)
Collocations
key element
|essential element
|important element
|basic element
|element of surprise
Themes
general
|structure
|composition
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Trust is an important element of any relationship.
- The story contains elements of mystery and romance.
- Oxygen is a key element in the process of combustion.
- Her speech had all the elements of a great presentation.
- Water is made up of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
Learner examples
- The main element of the plan is safety.
- Air is an important element for life.
- The movie has elements of comedy and drama.
- A wheel is an element of a car.
- Salt contains the elements sodium and chlorine.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
A pure chemical substance
A pure substance made of only one kind of atom.
Usage pattern:
[an/the] element
Common mistake:
Some learners think water is an element; it is actually a compound made from hydrogen and oxygen.
Synonyms
atom type (Less common; refers to the same concept but less standard in chemistry.)
Antonyms
compound (A substance made of two or more elements chemically combined.)
Collocations
chemical element
|trace element
|periodic table element
Themes
science
|chemistry
Examples
- Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au.
- There are 118 known elements in the periodic table.
- Oxygen is one of the most abundant elements on Earth.
Learner examples
- Oxygen is an element we breathe.
- Gold is an element used for jewelry.
- Water is not an element; it has two elements.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Natural forces like weather
Strong natural forces, like wind, rain, or snow.
Usage pattern:
the elements
Synonyms
weather ('Weather' is more general; 'elements' emphasizes harshness or challenge.)
Antonyms
shelter (Protection from the forces of nature.)
Collocations
exposed to the elements
|brave the elements
Themes
nature
|weather
Examples
- The hikers were exposed to the elements during their trek.
- Sailors must be ready to face the elements at sea.
- The old house has stood against the elements for over a century.
Learner examples
- We walked in the rain and faced the elements.
- The tent protects us from the elements.
- Farmers work in the elements every day.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
4
Heating part in a device
The part of an electric device that gets hot or makes energy.
Usage pattern:
[a/an] element in [device]
Synonyms
heater coil (More specific to heating functions; 'element' is broader in appliances.)
Collocations
heating element
|electric stove element
Themes
technology
|appliances
|daily_life
Examples
- The toaster's heating element is broken.
- Electric ovens have elements at the top and bottom.
- The kettle's element needs replacing.
Learner examples
- The stove has a hot element.
- The toaster's element cooks the bread.
- The kettle boils water with its element.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
5
A stylistic or quality component
A small thing that helps make style or quality.
Synonyms
feature ('Feature' is broader; 'element' suggests a smaller component within a design or style.)
Collocations
artistic element
|design element
Themes
art
|design
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- Color is an important element in this painting.
- Humor is a key element of his writing style.
- The building combines modern and traditional elements.
Learner examples
- Color is an element in art.
- Music has many elements like rhythm and melody.
- This room has old and new elements.
Grammar
Dictionary form
element
IPA
GB/ˈɛləmənt/
US/ˈɛləmənt/
Syllables & stress
ele - ment (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ele)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: element
- Plural: elements
Word family
Expressions
exposed to the elements
1/ɪkspˈoʊzd tə ðə ˈɛləmənts/
fixed phrase
Unprotected from weather conditions
Outside without protection from wind, rain, or sun.
Examples
- Without a tent, we were exposed to the elements all night.
- The old statue has been exposed to the elements for decades.
brave the elements
1/bɹˈeɪv ðə ˈɛləmənts/
fixed phrase
go out in bad weather
To go outside or stay outside even when the weather is very cold, wet, or stormy.
Examples
- Hundreds of fans braved the elements to watch the match.
- We decided not to brave the elements and stayed at home instead.
- Only a few shoppers braved the elements on such a windy day.
brave the elements
2/bɹˈeɪv ðə ˈɛləmənts/
fixed phrase
Go out in bad weather
To go outside even when the weather is bad.
Examples
- We braved the elements to watch the parade.
- Despite the storm, they braved the elements to help their neighbors.