componente
nounCEFR B2
What does “componente” mean in English?
component — a distinguishable element forming part of a larger complex whole
component — a distinguishable element forming part of a larger complex whole (el componente emocional, los componentes del sistema)
Example sentences
El componente ideológico del conflicto es tan relevante como el económico, aunque recibe mucha menos atención.
The ideological component of the conflict is as relevant as the economic one, although it receives far less attention.
Un buen liderazgo tiene un componente innato, pero también puede desarrollarse con formación y experiencia.
Good leadership has an innate component, but it can also be developed through training and experience.
Los terapeutas coinciden en que el componente social del bienestar es tan importante como el físico.
Therapists agree that the social component of wellbeing is as important as the physical one.
How to use it
El componente means 'component' — an element that forms part of a larger whole. At B2 it is especially productive in analytical and academic discourse: el componente emocional, el componente cultural, el componente económico. It implies that the whole is made up of distinguishable, separable parts. Closely related to factor (a contributing element, more causal) and elemento (element — more neutral and general). The plural components always uses masculine: los componentes.
Common mistake
Componente (constituent part of a complex whole) vs factor (causal contributing element: el factor decisivo) vs elemento (general member of a set: los elementos de la lista). In analytical writing, componente implies a structural part; factor implies causation. Avoid *el componente as a count noun meaning 'one ingredient' in cooking — there, ingrediente is used.