Words / B1

EL-im-uh-nt/ˈelɪmənt/

An element is one of the parts that something is made of: a key element of the plan; the human element. A factor often explains a result; a component is a physical part of a machine. In chemistry, an element is a basic substance (oxygen). Elemental is rare at B1; elementary means very simple (elementary English). There is an element of truth is a set phrase.

Meaning

One of the parts that something is made of.

Examples

• “Trust is an important element of friendship.”
• “Trust is a vital element of teamwork.”
• “There is an element of risk in any investment.”

Good to know

a key / vital element of. Chemistry: a basic substance. Result-explainer: factor. Machine part: component.

Near in meaning

component

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