Inklingo

elementos

eh-leh-MEN-tohse.leˈmen.tos

elements, components

Also: ingredients, factors
NounmA1
A collection of primary colored basic geometric shapes, specifically a red cube, a blue sphere, and a yellow cylinder, floating near each other.

📝 In Action

Necesitas tres elementos básicos para hacer esta receta.

A1

You need three basic elements to make this recipe.

El profesor explicó los elementos clave de la teoría.

A2

The professor explained the key elements of the theory.

Los elementos de la batería están desgastados.

B1

The components of the battery are worn out.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • componentes (components)
  • partes (parts)

Common Collocations

  • elementos esencialesessential elements
  • elementos químicoschemical elements

the elements

Also: forces of nature
NounmB1
A simple scene illustrating rain falling from a dark cloud, the sun shining brightly in the distance, and a bolt of lightning striking a small hill.

📝 In Action

El refugio nos protegió de los elementos durante la tormenta.

B1

The shelter protected us from the elements during the storm.

La estatua ha resistido los elementos por más de cien años.

B2

The statue has resisted the elements for over a hundred years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • resistir los elementosto resist the elements
  • expuesto a los elementosexposed to the elements

personnel, individuals

Also: operatives
NounmB2
Two uniformed security guards standing side-by-side, facing forward, wearing simple dark uniforms and caps.

📝 In Action

Los elementos de seguridad acordonaron la zona del accidente.

B2

The security personnel cordoned off the accident area.

La policía busca a varios elementos sospechosos que huyeron del lugar.

C1

The police are looking for several suspicious individuals who fled the scene.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • elementos de seguridadsecurity personnel
  • elementos criminalescriminal elements

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: elementos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'elementos' to refer to natural forces?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

Comes directly from the Latin word *elementum*, which originally meant 'first principle,' 'basic substance,' or 'letter of the alphabet.' The idea of a basic building block has been carried forward into Spanish.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: elementsFrench: élémentsPortuguese: elementos

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'elementos' always mean 'basic parts'?

Not always. While its most common meaning is 'basic parts' or 'components,' it can also refer to 'forces of nature' (like the weather) or, in formal news, 'members of a group' (like security personnel).