element
word
Definition
An element is a basic part of something larger. It can also mean a chemical substance such as oxygen or gold, or a natural force like air, fire, water, and earth in older ways of thinking.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in academic, technical, and everyday use. Common collocations include 'key element', 'essential element', 'element of surprise', and 'chemical element'. In everyday English, it often means one part of a plan, situation, or design; in science, it has a specific chemistry meaning.
Example Sentences
Water is made of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
basic
Trust is an important element of friendship.
basic
The designer added a blue element to the logo.
basic
The movie works because it has an element of surprise.
natural
We need to add a human element to the presentation.
natural
Once the kids arrived, chaos became part of the element of the day.
natural