Components: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate in technical or engineering contexts when referring to parts that work together within a system or device.

• The components of the machine need regular maintenance.
• We need high-quality components for the computer.

General term that can be used in most everyday contexts to refer to pieces or sections of a whole.

• The parts of the puzzle were scattered on the floor.
• He took the clock apart to see how all the parts fit together.

Used when discussing fundamental principles, basic parts of a whole, or in scientific contexts.

• Water is composed of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
• Patience and dedication are essential elements of success.

Refers to smaller segments or fragments of a whole, often used in more casual or physical contexts.

• She picked up the broken pieces of the vase.
• The artist carefully arranged the pieces of the collage.

Suitable for talking about parts of systems, machinery, or other complex structures.

• The device was malfunctioning because one of its components was broken.
• Engineers need to understand how all the components work together to fix the problem.

Commonly used when talking about the parts of a recipe or another mixture, especially in culinary contexts.

• The recipe calls for fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil.
• What are the main ingredients of this soup?

Used to talk about the simplest parts of a system or a group, and also in a scientific sense to refer to basic building blocks in chemistry.

• Patience and hard work are key elements of success.
• In chemistry, elements are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom.

Often used in scientific or formal contexts when describing the parts that make up a whole, especially in chemistry or materials science.

• Water is made up of two constituents: hydrogen and oxygen.
• The researchers analyzed the constituents of the new alloy.

Utilize 'components' when referring to individual pieces that make up a mechanical or electronic assembly, or parts that have a specific function within a whole system.

• The components of the computer include the motherboard, CPU, and RAM.
• We need to replace several components in the engine for it to function properly.

Choose 'elements' when talking about fundamental aspects, basic parts of a system, or abstract parts of something larger, often in scientific, technical, or educational contexts.

• The periodic table lists all known chemical elements.
• Trust is a key element in any relationship.

Employ 'parts' for general usage when referring to bits of something that can be either physical items or intangible sections. It’s a more casual term compared to 'components' or 'elements'.

• I need to replace a part in my car.
• She divided the cake into eight parts.

Use 'factors' in contexts where you are discussing contributions to an outcome or how different influences affect a result. Often used in scientific, mathematical, or analytical discussions.

• Many factors contribute to climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
• The main factor in his decision was the cost of living in the new city.