Element vs. Part: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
An element is a fundamental or essential component of something, while a part is a piece or segment that contributes to a whole.
Key Differences
An element refers to a basic, essential component that is often indivisible and crucial to the nature of something. For example, hydrogen is an element in chemistry, representing a fundamental substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical means. Elements are considered the building blocks of matter. A part, on the other hand, is a piece or segment that makes up a whole. In mechanical terms, a part is a piece of machinery or a component that, along with other parts, forms a complete unit. Parts can usually be separated or replaced without changing the nature of the entire system.
Elements often imply an intrinsic, foundational role within a larger system. In contrast, parts suggest a contribution to a system where individual segments may vary in importance or function. For instance, an element of style in writing is essential to the writer’s unique expression, whereas a part of a car engine, like a piston, is one replaceable component among many.
The concept of an element can also extend to abstract ideas, such as elements of a theory, which are indispensable concepts forming the theory's core. Whereas, parts are more tangible or discrete, such as parts of a book, which can include chapters, sections, or even illustrations.
Elements are typically viewed as unique and irreplaceable in their context, providing a unique characteristic or property. In contrast, parts are often seen as interchangeable, where one part can be replaced with another to restore functionality.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Fundamental, essential component
Piece or segment contributing to a whole
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Context
Often indivisible and unique
Can be separated or replaced
Examples
Hydrogen (chemical element)
Piston (mechanical part)
Abstract Usage
Elements of a theory
Parts of a book
Role
Foundational and intrinsic
Contributory and interchangeable
Element and Part Definitions
Element
Fundamental substance.
Hydrogen is a key element in water.
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Part
Segment of a whole.
The engine part needs replacement.
Element
Natural environment.
He felt in his element while hiking in the mountains.
Part
A portion, division, piece, or segment of a whole.
Element
Chemical substance.
Oxygen is a crucial element for respiration.
Part
Any of several equal portions or fractions that can constitute a whole or into which a whole can be divided
A mixture of two parts flour to one part sugar.
Element
Part of a set.
Each element in the set has a unique property.
Part
A division of a book or artistic work such as a film
A novel in three parts.
Element
A fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity.
Part
An organ, member, or other division of an organism
A tail is not a part of a guinea pig.
Element
Elements The basic assumptions or principles of a subject.
Part
Parts The external genitals.
Element
A member of a set.
Part
A component that can be separated from or attached to a system; a detachable piece
Spare parts for cars.
Element
A point, line, or plane.
Part
Often parts A region, area, land, or territory
"Minding your own business is second nature in these parts" (Boston).
Element
A part of a geometric configuration, such as an angle in a triangle.
Part
A role
He has the main part in the play.
Element
The generatrix of a geometric figure.
Part
One's responsibility, duty, or obligation; share
We each do our part to keep the house clean.
Element
Any of the terms in the rectangular array of terms that constitute a matrix or determinant.
Part
Parts Abilities or talents
A person of many parts.
Element
Chemistry & Physics A substance composed of atoms having an identical number of protons in each nucleus. Elements cannot be reduced to simpler substances by normal chemical means. See Periodic Table.
Part
The music or score for a particular instrument, as in an orchestra.
Element
One of four substances, earth, air, fire, or water, formerly regarded as a fundamental constituent of the universe.
Part
One of the melodic divisions or voices of a contrapuntal composition.
Element
(Electricity)The resistance wire in an electrical appliance such as a heater or an oven.
Part
The line where the hair on the head is parted.
Element
Elements The forces that constitute the weather, especially severe or inclement weather:outside paint that had been damaged by the elements.
Part
To cause to move apart; put apart
Parted the curtains.
Element
An environment naturally suited to or associated with an individual:He is in his element when traveling. The business world is her element.
Part
To divide into two or more parts; split
The ship's prow parted the waves.
Element
A distinct group within a larger community:the dissident element on campus.
Part
To break up the relationship or association of
A dispute over ownership parted the founders of the business.
Element
A ground unit in an air force comparable to a platoon.
Part
To comb (hair, for example) away from a dividing line, as on the scalp.
Element
A unit of an air force equal to two or three aircraft.
Part
To go away from; depart from
He parted this life for a better one.
Element
Elements The bread and wine of the Eucharist.
Part
(Archaic) To divide into shares or portions.
Element
One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.
Letters are the elements of written language.
Part
To be divided or separated
The curtain parted in the middle.
Element
(chemistry) Any one of the simplest chemical substances that cannot be decomposed in a chemical reaction or by any chemical means and made up of atoms all having the same number of protons.
Part
To move apart
Her lips parted, and she spoke.
Element
One of the four basic building blocks of matter in theories of ancient philosophers and alchemists: water, earth, fire, and air.
Part
To leave one another; take leave
They parted as friends.
Element
A basic, simple substance out of which something is made, raw material.
Part
To go away from another; depart
She parted from him at college graduation.
Element
(legal) A required aspect or component of a cause of action. A deed is regarded as a violation of law only if each element can be proved.
Part
(Archaic) To die.
Element
(set theory) One of the objects in a set.
Part
To separate or divide into ways going in different directions
The road parts about halfway into the forest.
Element
(mathematics) One of the entries of a matrix.
Part
To disagree or stop associating because of a disagreement
The committee parted over the issue of pay raises for employees.
Element
Any of the teeth of a zip fastener.
Part
Partially; in part
Part yellow, part green.
Element
A small part of the whole.
An element of the picture
Part
Not full or complete; partial
A part owner of the business.
Element
A small but present amount of a quality, a hint.
An element of doubt
Part
A portion; a component.
Element
A factor, one of the conditions contributing to a result.
Part
A fraction of a whole.
Gaul is divided into three parts.
Element
(obsolete) The sky.
Part
A distinct element of something larger.
The parts of a chainsaw include the chain, engine, and handle.
Element
(obsolete) Any one of the heavenly spheres believed to carry the celestial bodies.
Part
A group inside a larger group.
Element
Atmospheric forces such as strong winds and rains.
Exposed to the elements
Part
Share, especially of a profit.
I want my part of the bounty.
Element
A place or state of being that an individual or object is best suited to.
To be in one's element
Part
A unit of relative proportion in a mixture.
The mixture comprises one part sodium hydroxide and ten parts water.
Element
The bread and wine taken at Holy Communion.
Part
3.5 centiliters of one ingredient in a mixed drink.
Element
A group of people within a larger group having a particular common characteristic.
You sometimes find the hooligan element at football matches.
Part
A section of a document.
Please turn to Part I, Chapter 2.
Element
(in the plural only) The basic principles of a field of knowledge, basics, fundamentals, rudiments.
Part
A section of land; an area of a country or other territory; region.
Element
A component in electrical equipment, often in the form of a coil, having a high resistance, thereby generating heat when a current is passed through it.
The element in this electric kettle can heat the water in under a minute.
Part
A factor.
3 is a part of 12.
Element
(mathematics) An infinitesimal interval of a quantity, a differential.
The element of area in Cartesian coordinates is dx dy.
Part
(US) A room in a public building, especially a courtroom.
Element
(astronomy) An orbital element; one of the parameters needed to uniquely specify a particular orbit.
Part
Duty; responsibility.
To do one’s part
Element
(computing) One of the conceptual objects in a markup language, usually represented in text by tags.
Part
Position or role (especially in a play).
We all have a part to play.
Element
(obsolete) To compound of elements.
Part
(music) The melody played or sung by a particular instrument, voice, or group of instruments or voices, within a polyphonic piece.
The first violin part in this concerto is very challenging.
Element
(obsolete) To constitute and be the elements of.
Part
Each of two contrasting sides of an argument, debate etc.; "hand".
Element
One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.
Part
(US) The dividing line formed by combing the hair in different directions.
The part of his hair was slightly to the left.
Element
One of the ultimate, undecomposable constituents of any kind of matter. Specifically: (Chem.) A substance which cannot be decomposed into different kinds of matter by any means at present employed; as, the elements of water are oxygen and hydrogen.
Part
(Judaism) In the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, a unit of time equivalent to 3⅓ seconds.
Element
One of the ultimate parts which are variously combined in anything; as, letters are the elements of written language; hence, also, a simple portion of that which is complex, as a shaft, lever, wheel, or any simple part in a machine; one of the essential ingredients of any mixture; a constituent part; as, quartz, feldspar, and mica are the elements of granite.
The simplicity which is so large an element in a noble nature was laughed to scorn.
Part
A constituent of character or capacity; quality; faculty; talent; usually in the plural with a collective sense.
Element
One out of several parts combined in a system of aggregation, when each is of the nature of the whole; as, a single cell is an element of the honeycomb.
Part
(intransitive) To leave the company of.
Element
One of the simplest essential parts, more commonly called cells, of which animal and vegetable organisms, or their tissues and organs, are composed.
Part
To cut hair with a parting; shed.
Element
An infinitesimal part of anything of the same nature as the entire magnitude considered; as, in a solid an element may be the infinitesimal portion between any two planes that are separated an indefinitely small distance. In the calculus, element is sometimes used as synonymous with differential.
Part
(transitive) To divide in two.
To part the curtains
Element
One of the necessary data or values upon which a system of calculations depends, or general conclusions are based; as, the elements of a planet's orbit.
Part
(intransitive) To be divided in two or separated; shed.
A rope parts.
His hair parts in the middle.
Element
The simplest or fundamental principles of any system in philosophy, science, or art; rudiments; as, the elements of geometry, or of music.
Part
To divide up; to share.
Element
Any outline or sketch, regarded as containing the fundamental ideas or features of the thing in question; as, the elements of a plan.
Part
(obsolete) To have a part or share; to partake.
Element
One of the simple substances, as supposed by the ancient philosophers; one of the imaginary principles of matter.
Of elementsThe grosser feeds the purer: Earth the Sea;Earth and the Sea feed Air; the Air those FiresEthereal.
Does not our life consist of the four elements?
And the complexion of the element [i. e.,the sky or air]In favor's like the work we have in hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.
About twelve ounces [of food], with mere element for drink.
They show that they are out of their element.
Part
To separate or disunite; to remove from contact or contiguity; to sunder.
Element
The conditions and movements of the air.
Part
(obsolete) To hold apart; to stand or intervene between.
Element
The whole material composing the world.
The elements shall melt with fervent heat.
Part
To separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion.
To part gold from silver
Element
The bread and wine used in the eucharist or Lord's supper.
Part
To leave; to quit.
Element
To compound of elements or first principles.
Part
To leave (an IRC channel).
Element
To constitute; to make up with elements.
His very soul was elemented of nothing but sadness.
Part
Fractional; partial.
Fred was part owner of the car.
Element
An abstract part of something;
Jealousy was a component of his character
Two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
The grammatical elements of a sentence
A key factor in her success
Humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
Part
Partly; partially; fractionally.
Part finished
Element
Any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter
Part
One of the portions, equal or unequal, into which anything is divided, or regarded as divided; something less than a whole; a number, quantity, mass, or the like, regarded as going to make up, with others, a larger number, quantity, mass, etc., whether actually separate or not; a piece; a fragment; a fraction; a division; a member; a constituent.
And kept back part of the price, . . . and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles'feet.
Our ideas of extension and number - do they not contain a secret relation of the parts ?
I am a part of all that I have met.
Element
An artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system;
Spare components for cars
A component or constituent element of a system
Part
An equal constituent portion; one of several or many like quantities, numbers, etc., into which anything is divided, or of which it is composed; proportional division or ingredient.
An homer is the tenth part of an ephah.
A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom,And ever three parts coward.
Element
One of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe;
The alchemists believed that there were four elements
Part
A constituent portion of a living or spiritual whole; a member; an organ; an essential element.
All the parts were formed . . . into one harmonious body.
The pulse, the glow of every part.
Element
The most favorable environment for a plant or animal;
Water is the element of fishes
Part
That which belongs to one, or which is assumed by one, or which falls to one, in a division or apportionment; share; portion; lot; interest; concern; duty; office.
We have no part in David.
Accuse not Nature! she hath done her part;Do thou but thine.
Let me bearMy part of danger with an equal share.
Element
The situation in which you are happiest and most effective;
In your element
Part
A constituent of character or capacity; quality; faculty; talent; - usually in the plural with a collective sense.
Which maintained so politic a state of evil, that they will not admit any good part to intermingle with them.
Element
A straight line that generates a cylinder or cone
Part
One of the opposing parties or sides in a conflict or a controversy; a faction.
For he that is not against us is on our part.
Make whole kingdoms take her brother's part.
Element
Essential component.
Trust is an important element in relationships.
Part
Quarter; region; district; - usually in the plural.
All parts resound with tumults, plaints, and fears.
Part
A particular character in a drama or a play; an assumed personification; also, the language, actions, and influence of a character or an actor in a play; or, figuratively, in real life; as, to play the part of Macbeth. See To act a part, under Act.
That partWas aptly fitted and naturally performed.
It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf.
Honor and shame from no condition rise;Act well your part, there all the honor lies.
Part
Such portion of any quantity, as when taken a certain number of times, will exactly make that quantity; as, 3 is a part of 12; - the opposite of multiple. Also, a line or other element of a geometrical figure.
Part
One of the different melodies of a concerted composition, which heard in union compose its harmony; also, the music for each voice or instrument; as, the treble, tenor, or bass part; the violin part, etc.
Part
To divide; to separate into distinct parts; to break into two or more parts or pieces; to sever.
There, [celestial love] parted into rainbow hues.
Part
To divide into shares; to divide and distribute; to allot; to apportion; to share.
To part his throne, and share his heaven with thee.
They parted my raiment among them.
Part
To separate or disunite; to cause to go apart; to remove from contact or contiguity; to sunder.
The Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.
While he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
The narrow seas that partThe French and English.
Part
To hold apart; to stand between; to intervene betwixt, as combatants.
The stumbling night did part our weary powers.
Part
To separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion; as, to part gold from silver.
The liver minds his own affair, . . .And parts and strains the vital juices.
Part
To leave; to quit.
Since presently your souls must part your bodies.
Part
To separate (a collection of objects) into smaller collections; as, to part one's hair in the middle.
Part
To be broken or divided into parts or pieces; to break; to become separated; to go asunder; as, rope parts; his hair parts in the middle.
Part
To go away; to depart; to take leave; to quit each other; hence, to die; - often with from.
He wrung Bassanio's hand, and so they parted.
He owned that he had parted from the duke only a few hours before.
His precious bag, which he would by no means part from.
Part
To perform an act of parting; to relinquish a connection of any kind; - followed by with or from; as, to part with one's money.
Celia, for thy sake, I partWith all that grew so near my heart.
Powerful hands . . . will not partEasily from possession won with arms.
It was strange to him that a father should feel no tenderness at parting with an only son.
Part
To have a part or share; to partake.
Part
Partly; in a measure.
Part
Something determined in relation to something that includes it;
He wanted to feel a part of something bigger than himself
I read a portion of the manuscript
The smaller component is hard to reach
Part
The extended spatial location of something;
The farming regions of France
Religions in all parts of the world
Regions of outer space
Part
So far as concerns the actor specified;
It requires vigilance on our part
They resisted every effort on his part
Part
Something less than the whole of a human artifact;
The rear part of the house
Glue the two parts together
Part
One of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole;
The written part of the exam
The finance section of the company
The BBC's engineering division
Part
The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group;
The function of a teacher
The government must do its part
Play its role
Part
A portion of a natural object;
They analyzed the river into three parts
He needed a piece of granite
Part
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
Part
Assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group;
He wanted his share in cash
Part
Any one of a number of individual efforts in a common endeavor;
I am proud of my contribution to the team's success
They all did their share of the work
Part
The melody carried by a particular voice or instrument in polyphonic music;
He tried to sing the tenor part
Part
A line where the hair is parted;
His part was right in the middle
Part
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Part
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Part
Leave;
The family took off for Florida
Part
Come apart;
The two pieces that we had glued separated
Part
Force, take, or pull apart;
He separated the fighting children
Moses parted the Red Sea
Part
In part; in some degree; not wholly;
I felt partly to blame
He was partially paralyzed
Part
Role or function.
She played a significant part in the project.
Part
Division of a work.
The book is divided into three parts.
Part
Mechanical component.
The car part was shipped from abroad.
Part
Participant in an action.
He was a part of the team that won the championship.
FAQs
Can parts be elements in any context?
Yes, in certain contexts, parts can be considered elements if they are fundamental and indispensable, such as parts of a theory.
Do parts always have to be physical?
No, parts can be abstract, such as parts of a strategy or a plan.
What is an element in chemistry?
An element in chemistry is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, e.g., Gold.
What is a key characteristic of an element?
A key characteristic of an element is its foundational nature and often indivisibility.
Is water an element or a part?
Water is a compound, not an element. It is made up of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.
What makes a part different from a piece?
A part typically implies functionality within a system, while a piece is a more general term for a segment of a whole.
How does a part differ from an element in a mechanical context?
A part is a replaceable component of a machine, while an element is a fundamental, irreplaceable substance or component.
Are elements always indivisible?
In chemistry, elements are considered indivisible by chemical means, but in other contexts, they can be fundamental components.
Can an element be a part of something?
Yes, an element can be a part of a larger system, such as an element of a set in mathematics.
Can a part exist without the whole?
A part is usually considered in relation to the whole, but it can exist independently, such as a car part in storage.
What does "in one's element" mean?
"In one's element" means being in a situation or environment where one feels most comfortable and capable.
What is an example of an element in literature?
An element in literature could be a motif or theme that is essential to the narrative.
What is an essential part?
An essential part is a component that is critical to the function or nature of the whole.
How do you define a fundamental element?
A fundamental element is an essential, basic component that serves as a foundation for something larger.
Are elements replaceable?
Elements, especially in chemistry, are not replaceable. Each element is unique in its properties.
What does "part and parcel" mean?
"Part and parcel" means an essential component of something, implying it cannot be separated.
Are parts always functional?
Parts are often functional, contributing to the operation of the whole, but they can also be purely structural.
Can a part be abstract?
Yes, a part can be abstract, like a part of a discussion or a part of an idea.
Can elements be combined?
Yes, elements can combine to form compounds, such as hydrogen and oxygen forming water.
What is an element in mathematics?
An element in mathematics is an individual object within a set.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
