electric
/ɪˈlek.trɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Using or producing electricity. An electric device runs on power from a battery or the mains. It can also mean exciting and full of energy.
- We bought an electric kettle.
- The concert had an electric atmosphere.
- She drives an electric car.
Adinary Nuance
Electric is more specific than powered or automatic. Use it when electricity is the main source of power, like an electric fan or electric car. For feelings, electric means very exciting, not literally full of electricity. It sounds stronger and more vivid than energetic.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- điện
- Spanish
- eléctrico
- Chinese
- 电的
- Japanese
- 電気の
- Korean
- 전기의
Etymology
Electric comes from Greek elektron, meaning "amber." In the 1600s and 1700s, English writers used it for things linked to electricity.
Common phrases
electric carelectric shockelectric atmosphereelectric fan
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is electric the same as electrical?
- Not always. Electric usually describes something using electricity, like an electric heater. Electrical often describes the science, system, or parts connected with electricity.
- Can electric describe a feeling or mood?
- Yes. It can mean exciting and full of strong energy. For example, an electric performance feels thrilling.
- Is electric a common word in business and academic English?
- Yes. It is common in writing about technology, energy, transport, and science.