Sometimes the search for an answer to a harmless, in general, question takes you somewhere far away. Suddenly, a flurry of disturbing images hits. Circling in a whirlwind of strange forebodings. Covers with an avalanche of fragmentary unpleasant memories.
Well, well, don't get so emotional. It is enough to give a concise answer to the question, how do you understand the meaning of the word "element"?
Tell me, Plato and Aristotle, what do you call the elements
The philosophy of antiquity, and after it of the Middle Ages, singled out four fundamental principles of the world. This is:
- Earth.
- Water.
- Air.
- Fire.
For the first time, Plato began to use these words in the meaning of "element". To these four primary elements, a fifth was added. This is mountain rarefied air, which differs from the lower layers in its radiance and transparency. It was called ether, it was believed that the gods breathe it.
Aristotle opposed this element to the rest of the four. According to his teachings, water, earth, fire and air constitute the true world, they are transformed into each other. In the spheres of the cosmos, the ether, which does not pass into anything else, makes its movements.
Natural disasters - devastating consequences
The second meaning of the word "element" is a natural phenomenon that demonstrates an unstoppable and violent force. If she obeys a person, then in the case of the titanic efforts of the latter.
Hurricane, tsunami, earthquake - this is the element. And also called the environment where this power manifests itself. There are elements of water, air, fire, sand.
Examples:
- This area was recently hit by a hurricane, and casu alties were visible everywhere.
- It seemed that the showers were over, but the water element was not going to give up.
- Everywhere, to the very horizon, only the water element without a hint of the firmament of the earth.
- The raging fiery element drove the mad animals away from the forest turned into a huge torch towards the saving swamp.
- The caravan was delayed on its way, the merciless sand element sent a blinding and cutting storm of such strength and duration, unprecedented even for these harsh places.
Public and private elements
There are at least three more meanings for the word "element".
Firstly, in the life of society - these are phenomena that are not controlled by man:
- The element of the epidemic of this terrible infectious disease covers all new areas of the country.
- The blind element of the civil war, rolling through the cities and villages, collects bloody tribute.
It is also a segment of society that is not specifically shaped and weakly amenable to external guidance. Example: dissatisfaction arose with the leader and in the very element of the rebels.
Secondly, the element is a natural habitat. Example: free free sky is the element of birds.
Transfer of meaning in the word "element" occurs in the case of naming the most familiar area of activity, well-studied topics, close and favorite activities. Example: My element is dance, your element is flowers. In your garden I am a foreigner. And you don't dance.
And the last, somewhat abstract meaning of the word "element". Grade 4 may already be familiar with it, at least students of this age are able to understand it. This is the element of human feelings. She strives to equal the mighty natural sisters, often blind and no less destructive.
