ink
/ɪŋk/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A coloured liquid used for writing, drawing, or printing. It is made to flow from a pen, printer, or stamp onto paper.
- The pen has run out of ink.
- She wrote the note in blue ink.
- This printer uses black ink.
verb
To mark or write something with ink, or to put a design onto the skin with ink. It can also mean to sign a contract, especially in informal English.
- He inked the envelope address.
- She got her name inked on her arm.
- They inked the deal yesterday.
Adinary Nuance
Ink is the liquid itself, while pen is the tool that applies it. Use dye for colouring in general, and paint for a thicker coating. As a verb, ink is more specific than write or sign because it suggests using ink or making a permanent mark.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mực
- Spanish
- tinta
- Chinese
- 墨水
- Japanese
- インク
- Korean
- 잉크
Etymology
Ink came into English from Old French inque, which came from Latin encausum, linked to black writing fluid. The word has been used in English since the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
black inkink cartridgeink stainink a deal
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is ink countable or uncountable?
- Usually uncountable: "some ink," "a little ink." But you can say "inks" for types of ink.
- What is the difference between ink and pen?
- A pen is the tool. Ink is the liquid inside it.
- Can ink be used as a verb?
- Yes. It can mean to write with ink, tattoo, or sign a deal informally.
- Is ink common in business English?
- Yes, in phrases like "ink a deal" or "ink a contract."