ingredient

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   One of the foods or substances that you combine to make a dish or mixture.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'an ingredient' or 'ingredients'.

   Patterns

   • an ingredient in something
   • an ingredient for something
   • combine ingredients

   Flour is the main ingredient in bread.

   Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.

   The recipe calls for three simple ingredients.

2. 2nouncountablefigurative

   One of the qualities or factors that help to produce a particular result or situation.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively: 'an ingredient of success'.

   Patterns

   • an ingredient of something
   • an ingredient for something
   • a key ingredient

   Hard work is an essential ingredient of success.

   Trust is a key ingredient in any friendship.

   The team has all the ingredients for a great season.

Word forms

Common combinations

main ingredient

The main ingredient in this sauce is tomatoes.

key ingredient

Patience is a key ingredient in teaching.

active ingredient

The active ingredient in the medicine is aspirin.

secret ingredient

She never tells anyone her secret ingredient.

combine ingredients

Combine the dry ingredients before adding the eggs.

Synonyms and how they differ

component

Used more for parts of machines or systems, not usually for food.

element

Often used for abstract things; 'an element of surprise' but not 'an element of a cake'.

constituent

More formal and technical; common in science writing.

Word family

ingredients noun

Plural form; also used figuratively for the parts of a situation.

Commonly confused: ingredient or ingredient vs. element?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ingredient”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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