American English

How to pronounce elemental

adjectiveC1

ehluhMEHnl

/ˌɛ.ləˈmɛ.nl̩/

4 syllables · Stress the third syllable.

Basic and very important; forming the foundation of something.

What to listen for

Elemental is commonly pronounced /ˌɛ.ləˈmɛn.ɾl̩/. You may also hear /ˌɛ.ləˈmɛ.nl̩/, with the middle /t/ left out.

Common pronunciation/ˌɛ.ləˈmɛn.ɾl̩/

Without the middle /t//ˌɛ.ləˈmɛ.nl̩/

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adjectiveformal

Basic and very important; forming the foundation of something.

Trust is an elemental part of a healthy relationship.

She understood the elemental principles of finance.

Good to know

Do not confuse elemental with elementary. Elementary usually means basic or easy to understand; elemental often means fundamental or connected with natural forces.

Common phrases & grammar

elemental truth · elemental principle · elemental need

elemental + noun

be + elemental

adjectiveliteraryless common

Connected with the basic forces of nature, such as wind, fire, water, or earth.

The storm moved with elemental force.

The novel describes an elemental struggle between people and the sea.

Common phrases & grammar

elemental force · elemental power · elemental energy

elemental + noun

be + elemental

Related words & forms

elementbase noun elementaryrelated adjective; usually meaning basic or introductory