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element

Definition

  • noun: one of the basic substances that are made of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances
  • noun: any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe

Examples

  • The attackers were relying on the 'element of surprise'. [=they were relying on their attack being a surprise]

  • I tried living in the city, but I was/felt 'out of my element' there. [=living in the city did not suit me]

  • At school she was (really) 'in her element'. [=in a place where she was comortable and did well]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Carjacking. resisting arrest... assault with a deadly weapon. You girls fell in with a bad element. I hope you've learned from it. I'm going to turn you over to the care of your parents. They, better than I, (..)
    1996 Foxfire