What does "ingredient" mean?

1. (food component) one of the foods you use to make a particular dish. 2. (necessary element) a quality or part of something that is needed to make it successful.

How do you use "ingredient"?

Often used with the preposition 'for' or 'in'.

ingredient

US //ˌɪnˈɡɹidiənt// UK //ɪnɡɹˈiːdiənt// in·gre·di·ent

1 food component (n.)
B1 Intermediate Cooking

one of the foods you use to make a particular dish.

any of the substances that are combined to make a particular dish.

Example

The secret ingredient in her famous chocolate cake is a pinch of sea salt.

Example

The chef insisted on sourcing every ingredient locally to ensure the seasonal menu reflected the authentic flavours of the region.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for' or 'in'.
2 necessary element (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a quality or part of something that is needed to make it successful.

a necessary part or characteristic of a complex situation or abstract concept. Figurative use.

Example

Trust is the most important ingredient in a long-lasting friendship.

Example

Economists argue that a stable regulatory environment is a vital ingredient for sustained national growth and foreign investment.

Origin

From Middle French ingredient, from Latin ingrediens, present participle of ingredior (“to go or enter into or onto”).