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Elementally: meaning, definitions and examples

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elementally

 

[ɛlɪˈmɛntəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a fundamental or essential way

Elementally means in a fundamental or essential way, relating to basic principles or elements. It is used to describe something that is intrinsic, elemental, or foundational.

Synonyms

essentially, fundamentally, inherently, intrinsically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elementally

Used when discussing something basic or essential to the nature of something else. Suitable for scientific or philosophical contexts.

  • Elementally, water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen
  • Elementally, humans need food, water, and shelter to survive
fundamentally

Used when discussing the core or underlying principles of a concept or situation, often implying a deeper or more comprehensive analysis.

  • Fundamentally, the issue lies in poor communication
  • His approach is fundamentally flawed because it ignores key evidence
essentially

Used to indicate the intrinsic nature or a main aspect of something, often simplifying complex situations or emphasizing the most important features.

  • Essentially, the problem is that we don't have enough funds
  • Despite the challenges, the project was essentially a success
inherently

Used to describe qualities or characteristics that are an inseparable part of the nature of something or someone.

  • Inherently, all humans have the capacity for improvement
  • The job is inherently risky due to the machinery involved
intrinsically

Used to describe something by its very nature, often in relation to inherent qualities or values.

  • Intrinsically, the diamond is valuable regardless of external conditions
  • Education is intrinsically important for personal growth

Examples of usage

  • It is important to understand the concept elementally before moving on to more complex ideas.
  • She approached the problem elementally, breaking it down to its basic components.
  • The artist believed that art should speak to the viewer elementally, evoking raw emotions.
  • The scientist studied the chemical reaction elementally, focusing on the basic properties of the elements involved.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'element', which has roots in Latin 'elementum', meaning a 'principle' or 'component'.
  • The suffix '-ally' indicates a relationship or manner, so 'elementally' describes something related to elements.
  • The term has been in use in English since at least the 15th century, evolving to cover fundamental concepts in various fields.

Science

  • In chemistry, basic substances that cannot be broken down are referred to as elements, like oxygen and hydrogen.
  • The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic structure, showcasing their fundamental nature.
  • Understanding elements and their reactions is crucial for fields like biology, physics, and engineering.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss elements as the basic components of reality; for example, Aristotle identified earth, water, air, and fire as fundamental to existence.
  • In modern thought, the idea of 'elemental' can extend to discussions about fundamental truths or principles in moral philosophy.
  • Contemporary existentialism examines the basic elements of human experience, essence, and existence.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, 'elemental' often conveys themes of nature, simplicity, or basic human emotions and experiences.
  • Writers like Shakespeare used elemental imagery to evoke powerful feelings, such as storms representing tumultuous emotions.
  • Fantasy works frequently utilize elemental magic, where characters wield powers based on earth, air, fire, and water.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have elements as intrinsic to their mythology; for example, the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) often appear in creation myths.
  • In certain spiritual practices, understanding and aligning with elemental forces can influence one's well-being and harmony with nature.
  • Elements symbolize balance and duality in various traditions, such as yin and yang representing the interplay of opposing forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "elementally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 elementarmente

🇮🇳 मूल रूप से

🇩🇪 elementar

🇮🇩 secara elemental

🇺🇦 елементарно

🇵🇱 elementarnie

🇯🇵 基本的に (きほんてきに)

🇫🇷 fondamentalement

🇪🇸 elementalmente

🇹🇷 elemental olarak

🇰🇷 기본적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل أساسي

🇨🇿 elementárně

🇸🇰 elementárne

🇨🇳 基本上 (jīběn shàng)

🇸🇮 elementarno

🇮🇸 grundvallaratriðum

🇰🇿 негізінен

🇬🇪 ფუნდამენტურად

🇦🇿 əsasən

🇲🇽 elementalmente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,129, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.