Words / B2

k-uh-m-POHN-uh-nt/kəmˈpəʊnənt/

A component is one of the parts that make up a whole: a key component of the plan, electronic components. Part is everyday; element is a close formal cousin; ingredient is for recipes and, loosely, plans. In speech, part is almost always enough. Component sounds technical or analytical. Do not call a whole person a component of a team unless you mean a role in a system — it can sound cold.

Meaning

One of the parts that make up a whole.

Examples

• “Trust is a key component of the plan.”
• “Trust is a key component of the mentoring scheme, not an extra.”
• “One faulty component stopped the printer; the rest of the machine was fine.”

Good to know

A part of a whole. Everyday: part. Close: element. Technical or analytical tone. Contrast: the whole / the system.

Near in meaning

element

New