Definitions
01powered by electricity
A2 · Elementary
adj. using or producing electricity to work.
adj. relating to, produced by, or operated by means of electricity.
Español:eléctrico
“The city is encouraging people to buy electric cars to reduce pollution.”
“The transition to electric heating systems in older buildings requires significant upgrades to the existing internal wiring and insulation.”
Pitfall
I 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
02exciting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. very exciting or full of energy.
adj. characterised by a high level of excitement, tension, or energy.
Español:electrizante
“The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the game began.”
“The performance was truly electric, leaving the audience in a state of stunned silence before they erupted into a standing ovation.”
03musical instrument
A2 · Elementary Music
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.
“He decided to switch from the acoustic guitar to an electric one.”
“The jazz fusion band featured an electric violin that allowed the soloist to compete with the volume of the drums and synthesizers.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04the power supply
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun British English · Informal
n. the electricity used in a house or building.
n. the supply of electricity to a property or the cost associated with its consumption.
“We need to pay the electric before they turn it off.”
“After the storm damaged the main lines, the entire village was without electric for nearly forty-eight hours.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
Synonyms
Etymology
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.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/electric
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0