electronic
/ɪˌlekˈtrɒn.ɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Using electricity and small circuits, especially in devices that work with signals or data. It often describes modern machines and systems.
- My phone has an electronic screen.
- We use electronic tickets at the airport.
- She works in electronic engineering.
Adinary Nuance
Electronic is not the same as electric. Electronic usually means a device uses circuits, chips, or digital signals. Electric often means it runs on electricity more generally, like an electric fan or electric car. In modern English, electronic sounds more technical and digital.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- điện tử
- Spanish
- electrónico
- Chinese
- 电子的
- Japanese
- 電子の
- Korean
- 전자의
Etymology
Electronic comes from electron, a word from Greek ēlektron, meaning amber. It entered English in the 20th century, when electricity and circuit-based devices became common.
Common phrases
electronic deviceelectronic mailelectronic paymentselectronic music
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is electronic the same as electric?
- No. Electronic usually means circuits, chips, or digital signals. Electric usually means powered by electricity.
- Is electronic a formal word?
- It is neutral and common in writing, business, and technology contexts.
- Can I say electronic for a machine?
- Yes, if the machine uses electronic parts or digital controls.