A novel liquid crystalline compound having a high elastic constant ratio, K.sub.33 /K.sub.11, a superior compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, particularly a low temperature compatibility therewith, and chemical stability; a liquid crystal composition containing such a liquid crystalline compound; and a liquid crystal display element, are provided, which liquid crystalline compound is expressed by the formula (1) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group or an alkyloxy group of 1 to 10C or a halogenated alkyl group, a halogenated alkyloxy group of 1 to 4C, halogen atom or cyano group; R.sub.2 is H atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 3C; rings A and B each independently are 1,4-phenylene ring or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, which may be substituted by halogen atom; Z is single bond, 1,4-phenylene ring, trans-1,4-cyclohexylene ring or 1,2-ethylene group; p is 2 to 4; and q is 0 or 1.