English Reference

Word

electricity

Phoneticselec·tric·i·ty

US/ɪˌɫɛkˈtɹɪsəti/

UK/ɪlɛktɹˈɪsɪtˌi/

Definitions

01energy and power

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Science

n. a form of energy that flows through wires and provides power for lights and machines.

n. a physical phenomenon caused by the movement of charged particles, used as a source of power for appliances and industrial machinery.

“The storm knocked down several trees and we lost electricity for three days.”

“The national grid was under immense pressure as the demand for electricity surged during the coldest week of the winter.”

Usage

Usually uncountable; often used with verbs like 'generate', 'supply', or 'conduct'.

02utility supply

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the supply of power to a building as a service you pay for.

n. the provision of electrical power as a public utility or commercial service.

“The landlord includes the cost of electricity in the monthly rent.”

“The government announced a new subsidy to help low-income households manage the rising cost of electricity and heating.”

Usage

Often used as an attributive noun, as in 'electricity bill' or 'electricity company'.

Synonyms

03excitement

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a strong feeling of excitement or energy in a place or between people.

n. a state of intense emotional excitement or tension within a group or between individuals.

“You could feel the electricity in the crowd as the band walked onto the stage.”

“There was a palpable sense of electricity in the courtroom as the jury prepared to deliver the final verdict.”

Teaching tip

This is a common metaphorical use; it describes a mood that feels 'charged' or 'sparky'.

Antonyms

boredomdullness

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “electricity” in context.

01. electricity bills 02. electricity demand 03. electricity grid 04. electricity supplies 05. electricity system

Etymology

From electric + -ity.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

electricity(A2)

Related words

In Music

Cover of Electricity by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.

Electricity · 1979 · Synth-pop

Artist:
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Album:
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark released this influential synth-pop track in 1979. The title refers to the literal sense of energy and power, reflecting the band's fascination with modern technology and electronic sound. It is now considered a classic of the early electronic music movement.

Domains

BusinessPhysics

This entry

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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