Word
decaf
Phoneticsde·caf, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdikæf/
UK/dˈiːkæf/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. coffee with almost all the caffeine taken out, so it will not keep you awake. You choose it when you like the taste of coffee late in the day.
n. coffee from which most caffeine has been removed, retaining flavour with only trace stimulant effect. Shortened form of 'decaffeinated coffee'.
Examples
“She drinks decaf in the evening to sleep well.”
“After lunch he orders a decaf because regular coffee keeps him awake at night.”
“Even the restaurant's decaf carried the dark, toasted aroma of fresh espresso without the jittery lift that had once kept her typing past midnight.”
Examples
simple
“She drinks decaf in the evening to sleep well.”
contextual
“After lunch he orders a decaf because regular coffee keeps him awake at night.”
complex
“Even the restaurant's decaf carried the dark, toasted aroma of fresh espresso without the jittery lift that had once kept her typing past midnight.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “decaf” in context.
Verb
01. drink decaf
“I drink decaf after 4pm so I can sleep well.”
verb + noun
02. make decaf
“This cafe can make decaf with oat milk if you like.”
verb + noun
03. order decaf
“We usually order decaf when we meet in the evening.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. hot decaf
“She held a hot decaf to warm her hands on the train.”
adj + noun
05. iced decaf
“I asked for an iced decaf because it was a hot afternoon.”
adj + noun
06. large decaf
“He ordered a large decaf for the long meeting.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. cup of decaf
“I had a warm cup of decaf before going to bed.”
noun + prep + noun
08. mug of decaf
“She made a big mug of decaf while studying late.”
noun + prep + noun
09. pot of decaf
“They brewed a fresh pot of decaf for the evening guests.”
noun + prep + noun
10. can i get a decaf
“Can I get a decaf with oat milk, please?”
11. have a decaf after dinner
“We often have a decaf after dinner and chat.”
12. order a large decaf
“He ordered a large decaf to take on the train.”
Real-World Examples
“Although many people drink coffee specifically seeking the energy boost provided by caffeine, some people are intolerant to it, or prefer to have "decaf" when later in the day to avoid potential sleeping disruptions.” Etymology
Clipping of decaffeinated.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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