Meaning

One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based..

Definitions by Sense

1. One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.
2. A small part of the whole.
3. A small but present amount of a quality, a hint.
4. A factor, one of the conditions contributing to a result.
5. (obsolete) The sky.
6. (obsolete) Any one of the heavenly spheres believed to carry the celestial bodies in premodern cosmology.
7. (in the plural only, with "the") Atmospheric forces such as strong winds and rains.
8. A place or state of being that a person or object is best suited to.

Example Sentences

Letters are the elements of written language.

The simplicity which is so large an element in a noble nature was laughed to scorn.

an element of the picture

an element of doubt

The case was that of a murder. It had an element of mystery about it, however, which was puzzling the authorities. A turban and loincloth soaked in blood had been found; also a staff.

Sometimes, solitude is of all things my wish; and the awful silence of the night, the spangled element, and the rising and setting sun, how promotive of contemplation!

exposed to the elements

to be in one’s element

Word Forms

• elements
• elementing
• elemented

Synonyms for element 3

Related Words

When Should You Use Element 3?

Use element 3 when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions