component
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 5The 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.
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.
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.
Synonyms
Word Family
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
The mechanic carefully checked every component part of the engine to find the leak.
everydayThe repairman looked at every individual piece of the motor to locate the hole.
Nitrogen and oxygen are the main component gases of the air we breathe.
formalNitrogen and oxygen are the primary gases that make up the atmosphere.
I'm looking for the component bits to finish building my custom keyboard.
informalI am trying to find the individual pieces needed to complete my keyboard project.
Critical thinking is a component skill required for successful academic writing.
academicThinking deeply is a necessary individual skill used in writing for university.
The manager analyzed the component costs of production to increase the company profit.
businessThe leader looked at each individual cost involved in making products to save money.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
A component is a single part, while a compound is the result of mixing multiple parts together.
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
Quick Quiz
The ______ parts of the toy were small and difficult to put together.
Correct!
The correct answer is: component
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