A2 adjective Neutral #556 most common

component

/kəmˈpoʊ.nənt/

This adjective describes something that is a part of a larger whole or system. It is used to identify the individual elements that combine to make an entire machine, process, or idea work.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The mechanic carefully checked every component part of the engine to find the leak.

The repairman looked at every individual piece of the motor to locate the hole.

2

Nitrogen and oxygen are the main component gases of the air we breathe.

Nitrogen and oxygen are the primary gases that make up the atmosphere.

3

I'm looking for the component bits to finish building my custom keyboard.

I am trying to find the individual pieces needed to complete my keyboard project.

Word Family

Noun
component
Verb
compose
Adjective
component
Related
composition
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Computer'—it is made of many 'Components' like the screen, the keys, and the battery.

Quick Quiz

The ______ parts of the toy were small and difficult to put together.

Correct!

The correct answer is: component

Examples

1

The mechanic carefully checked every component part of the engine to find the leak.

everyday

The repairman looked at every individual piece of the motor to locate the hole.

2

Nitrogen and oxygen are the main component gases of the air we breathe.

formal

Nitrogen and oxygen are the primary gases that make up the atmosphere.

3

I'm looking for the component bits to finish building my custom keyboard.

informal

I am trying to find the individual pieces needed to complete my keyboard project.

4

Critical thinking is a component skill required for successful academic writing.

academic

Thinking deeply is a necessary individual skill used in writing for university.

5

The manager analyzed the component costs of production to increase the company profit.

business

The leader looked at each individual cost involved in making products to save money.

Word Family

Noun
component
Verb
compose
Adjective
component
Related
composition

Common Collocations

component part an individual piece of a larger machine or object
component element a basic part that makes up a system or idea
component pieces separate items that fit together
component material substances used to create a final product
component stage one specific step in a larger process

Common Phrases

key component

a very important part of something

major component

a large or significant part of a system

essential component

a part that is absolutely necessary

Often Confused With

component vs compound

A component is a single part, while a compound is the result of mixing multiple parts together.

component vs composite

Component refers to the individual part; composite refers to the whole thing made from various parts.

📝

Usage Notes

In modern English, 'component' is very frequently used as a noun, but as an adjective, it always appears directly before the noun it describes (e.g., component parts).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'component' when they should use 'composed of.' Remember that 'component' describes the part, not the whole thing.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Computer'—it is made of many 'Components' like the screen, the keys, and the battery.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'componere', which means 'to put together' (com- 'together' + ponere 'to place').

Grammar Patterns

Attributive use only (placed before nouns) Usually singular but can describe plural nouns No comparative or superlative forms (you cannot have a 'more component' part)

Quick Quiz

The ______ parts of the toy were small and difficult to put together.

Correct!

The correct answer is: component

Related Words

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Describing the specific state, conditions, or period occurring immediately before a sudden rupture, eruption, or systemic failure. It is used to characterize the buildup of tension and the identifiable indicators that precede a significant disruption.

synputity

C1

Synputity refers to the state or quality of synthesized inputs being perfectly integrated and pure, resulting in a seamless and uncorrupted whole. It is often used in technical or philosophical contexts to describe the ideal blending of diverse data or elements into a single, cohesive entity.

extramercent

C1

A noun referring to a secondary or non-standard commercial transaction, typically one that occurs outside of regulated primary markets. In a test-prep context, it describes an ancillary payment or exchange used to facilitate trade in niche or informal economic sectors.

ultrasignless

C1

Describes something that is completely devoid of any identifying marks, symbols, or signals, often to an extreme or absolute degree. It refers to a state of total anonymity or lack of distinctive characteristics in a physical or semiotic sense.

inlocness

C1

To precisely identify, fix, or anchor an object or concept within its specific geographic or systemic location. It describes the active process of mapping or assigning a permanent place to something within a predefined framework.

devestation

C1

Devastation refers to widespread and severe destruction or damage to a place or object. It can also describe the state of extreme emotional shock, grief, or overwhelm felt by a person.

intranavize

C1

The systemic process or framework of internal navigation within a complex, closed-circuit digital environment or architectural structure. It refers specifically to the methodology used to move between non-public nodes or data points in a secure system.

exgenent

C1

Requiring immediate action or attention; pressing or demanding. It is often used to describe urgent circumstances or a person who is extremely demanding and exacting.

adpelent

C1

A technical or pseudo-word often appearing in lexical proficiency tests, referring to an agent or substance designed to drive away or repel unwanted elements. It follows Latin morphological patterns but is not found in standard modern English dictionaries, serving primarily as a distractor in linguistic assessments.

propassward

C1

A high-security, professional-grade authentication credential used primarily in digital proctoring and secure certification systems. It functions as an advanced passphrase that often integrates multi-factor verification to ensure the identity of a user during high-stakes testing or sensitive data access.

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