French word

élément

Pronunciation

IPA/elemɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncomponent

Example

C'est un élément important du projet.

It is an important component of the project.

Illustration for élément (component)

More examples

La communication est un élément essentiel de toute relation.

Communication is an essential element of every relationship.

Core concept

One separate part that can be identified within a whole, whether as a component, cause, item, or material unit.

Common phrases

  • élément essentiel

    essential element

Similar words

partie: A portion that forms part of a larger whole.
facteur: Something that affects a result or condition.
ingrédient: A substance used in a mixture or recipe.

Definition in French

Composant distinct d'un système ou d'un tout; sens étendus pour désigner une cause, un point d'une liste ou une unité matérielle.

Word origin

French élément continues Latin elementum, whose basic sense referred to a fundamental constituent; French later extended the word to several kinds of units.

Usage tips

  • The final t in élément is silent, and the ending has a nasal vowel rather than the sound of English -ment.

Other meanings

  • itemnoun
  • factornoun
  • chemical elementnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word