SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

Thesaurus

element

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of element

1 one of the parts that make up a whole

A free press is an essential element of a democracy.

Synonyms of element

building block, component, constituent, factor, ingredient, member

Words Related to element

basis, part and parcel

detail, item, particular, point

aspect, characteristic, facet, feature, trait

division, fragment, particle, partition, piece, portion, section, sector, segment

Near Antonyms of element

aggregate, composite, compound, mass

entirety, sum, summation, total, totality

admixture, amalgam, amalgamation, blend, combination, intermixture, mix, mixture

Antonyms of element

2 elements plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based

The elements of mathematics can be traced back to Euclid.

Synonyms of element

ABC(s), basics, essentials, fundamentals, principles, rudiments

Words Related to element

basis, bedrock, cornerstone, foundation, groundwork, keystone, underpinning

belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, faith, philosophy

axiom, law, precept, tenet

Near Antonyms of element

details, trivia

3 a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

She felt most in her element in the mathematics section of the exam.

Synonyms of element

area, arena, bailiwick, business, circle, department, discipline, domain, fief, fiefdom, field, firmament, front, game, kingdom, line, precinct, province, realm, specialty, sphere, terrain, walk

Words Related to element

territory, turf

occupation, profession, pursuit, racket, vocation

ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confine, dimension(s), extent, ken, reach, scope, sweep, width

subfield, subspecialty

Synonym Discussion of element

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole. element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

- the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

- the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

- the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

- the ingredients of a cocktail

Learn More about element

Dictionary: Definition of element Medical Dictionary: Definition of element Spanish Central: Translation of element Nglish: Translation of element for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of element for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up element? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

play

unwilling or reluctant

Words at Play

alt-5ade0f1ca7a0c

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game