elements
elements — noun
1. parts or features that join together to make something complete.
parts or features that join together to make something complete.
Warm colors were the main elements in the cafe's new design.
pattern: elements in a design
Trust and timing are key elements in a good rescue plan.
collocation: key elements in
Sound and light were striking elements in the museum's night show.
Patience and clear rules are useful elements in a children's game.
文法句型
elements of + noun
key elements in + noun
combine different elements
用法筆記
Use this sense for parts, qualities, or features inside a larger whole. It differs from sense 4, which is about factors that affect a result or decision.
2. the most basic ideas or skills that someone must learn in a subject.
the most basic ideas or skills that someone must learn in a subject.
Our first music class covered the elements of reading notes.
pattern: elements of + subject
The course teaches the elements of algebra before harder equations.
Coach Meilin reviewed the elements of safe climbing with beginners.
The workbook breaks the elements of grammar into short lessons.
- basics
more everyday and less formal
- fundamentals
slightly more formal, often used in teaching or training
文法句型
elements of + subject
learn the elements of + subject
用法筆記
This sense is usually followed by of plus a school subject or skill area.
3. pure substances in chemistry, each made of only one kind of atom.
pure substances in chemistry, each made of only one kind of atom.
Carbon and oxygen are elements that every science student learns early.
pattern: elements that every student learns
The poster grouped the elements by color on the classroom wall.
The app shows which elements stay solid at room temperature.
In lab club, Yumi memorized the symbols for twenty elements.
文法句型
chemical elements
elements such as + noun
group the elements by + property
用法筆記
Use this scientific sense for substances such as oxygen, iron, or gold. It differs from sense 8, which belongs to older beliefs rather than modern science.
4. pieces of information or conditions that help decide how something turns out.
pieces of information or conditions that help decide how something turns out.
Cost and distance were the main elements in the family's choice.
pattern: elements in a choice
Sleep and stress can be hidden elements in a child's headaches.
Time, luck, and training were all elements in the team's success.
The judge said several elements shaped the final decision.
- factor
the closest everyday synonym
- consideration
often used when people are weighing a decision
文法句型
elements in + decision
elements that shape + result
take elements into account
用法筆記
This sense focuses on what influences an outcome, judgment, or calculation. Use sense 1 instead when you simply mean parts of a thing.
5. wind, rain, cold, and similar outdoor weather that can affect people or things.
wind, rain, cold, and similar outdoor weather that can affect people or things.
Heavy rain and wind left the hikers exposed to the elements.
fixed phrase: exposed to the elements
The fishermen stayed in port when the elements turned rough at dawn.
Stone walls protected the old church from the worst elements.
After one wet hour, the market stalls were no match for the elements.
- weather
broader and more neutral; this sense often suggests rough outdoor conditions
文法句型
exposed to the elements
protect from the elements
fight the elements
用法筆記
This sense usually appears with the definite article in phrases such as exposed to the elements or protect from the elements.
6. the surroundings or situation in which someone feels naturally skilled and comfo
the surroundings or situation in which someone feels naturally skilled and comfortable.
On the busy stage, Tomás looked completely in his element.
fixed phrase: in your element
Ayana is in her element when the kitchen is full of guests.
The sheep seemed in their element on the windy hillside.
During the live debate, Ravindra was clearly in his element.
文法句型
be in your element
feel in your element
用法筆記
Most often used in the phrase be in your element, especially when someone is doing something they handle with ease.
7. people of a particular kind inside a larger group, often ones seen as troublesom
people of a particular kind inside a larger group, often ones seen as troublesome or extreme.
Police watched the violent elements at the edge of the rally.
collocation: violent elements
The mayor said criminal elements had moved into the empty building.
collocation: criminal elements
A few extremist elements within the movement rejected the peace deal.
Teachers quickly separated the disruptive elements from the younger children.
文法句型
elements within + group
criminal elements
extremist elements
用法筆記
This sense is often used in news or formal contexts, especially with negative adjectives such as criminal, violent, or extremist.
8. earth, air, fire, and water as the four basic substances in older belief systems
earth, air, fire, and water as the four basic substances in older belief systems.
Ancient thinkers believed the world rose from four basic elements.
fixed set: the four elements
The game uses fire, water, air, and earth as magical elements.
Our history teacher compared Chinese theories with the Greek elements.
The mural showed the four elements around the center sun.
文法句型
the four elements
earth, air, fire, and water
用法筆記
Use this historical or fantasy sense for older ideas about the makeup of the world, not for modern chemistry.