electric
- 01 A2 Elementary
adj.using or producing electricity to work.
adj.relating to, produced by, or operated by means of electricity.
Simple“The city is encouraging people to buy electric cars to reduce pollution.”
In context“The transition to electric heating systems in older buildings requires significant upgrades to the existing internal wiring and insulation.”
PitfallI need an electrical toothbrush. I need an electric toothbrush.Use 'electric' for specific tools or machines that use electricity; use 'electrical' for general systems or people's jobs.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very exciting or full of energy.
adj.characterised by a high level of excitement, tension, or energy.
Simple“The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the game began.”
In context“The performance was truly electric, leaving the audience in a state of stunned silence before they erupted into a standing ovation.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
adj.a musical instrument that uses an amplifier to make sound.
adj.denoting a version of a musical instrument that requires electronic amplification to be heard clearly.
Simple“He decided to switch from the acoustic guitar to an electric one.”
In context“The jazz fusion band featured an electric violin that allowed the soloist to compete with the volume of the drums and synthesizers.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.the electricity used in a house or building.
n.the supply of electricity to a property or the cost associated with its consumption.
Simple“We need to pay the electric before they turn it off.”
In context“After the storm damaged the main lines, the entire village was without electric for nearly forty-eight hours.”
UsageUsually used with the definite article 'the'.
Synonyms
Usage electric vehicles · electric vehicle · electric charge
First attested in c. 1646 in a publication by Thomas Browne. From New Latin ēlectricus (“electrical; of amber”), from ēlectr(um) (“amber”) + -icus (“adjectival suffix”); from Ancient Greek ἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron, “amber”); related to ἠλέκτωρ (ēléktōr, “shining sun”), of unknown origin (see which for more). The Latin term was apparently used first with the sense electrical in 1600 by the English physician and scientist William Gilbert in his work De Magnete.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.