energy
/ˈen.ə.dʒi/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
The power that makes machines, lights, and bodies work. It can also mean the strength or vitality a person has.
- The heater uses a lot of energy.
- I need more energy this morning.
- 2.
Strong effort, activity, or enthusiasm in someone or something.
- She brought great energy to the team.
- The room was full of energy.
Adinary Nuance
Use energy when you mean power, strength, or lively movement. It is broader than power, which often means control or machine force, and broader than vitality, which often suggests health and liveliness. In everyday speech, energy can also mean enthusiasm, not just fuel or electricity.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- năng lượng
- Spanish
- energía
- Chinese
- 能量
- Japanese
- エネルギー
- Korean
- 에너지
Etymology
Energy came into English in the 1500s from Latin energia, through Greek energeia, meaning 'activity' or 'working.' The word later became important in science.
Common phrases
energy sourcerenewable energysave energyhigh energy
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is energy countable or uncountable?
- Usually uncountable: 'energy' or 'a lot of energy.' It can be countable in science contexts, but that is less common.
- What is the difference between energy and power?
- Energy is the ability to do work. Power is how fast energy is used or produced.
- Can I say 'I have no energy' in everyday English?
- Yes. It is a very common way to say you feel tired or weak.
- Is energy used in formal writing?
- Yes. It is common in science, business, and everyday speech.