Drinkable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drinkable

[ˈdrɪŋkəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

quality of liquid

Drinkable refers to liquid that is safe to consume, particularly water. It indicates that the substance is free from harmful contaminants and is suitable for human consumption.

Synonyms

potable, safe, suitable.

Examples of usage

  • The river's water is not drinkable.
  • Always check if the tap water is drinkable before filling your glass.
  • The most important quality for a beverage is whether it is drinkable.
  • After the filtration process, the water became drinkable.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health

  • In many countries, drinking water must meet safety standards to be considered drinkable, often regulated by health authorities.
  • Dehydration can occur if one consumes non-drinkable liquids, reinforcing the importance of choosing safe beverages.
  • Contaminated water can lead to diseases, highlighting the necessity of knowing what is drinkable.

Environment

  • Access to drinkable water is a major global issue, with millions lacking safe drinking water.
  • Pollution and climate change threaten sources of drinkable water, necessitating sustainable practices.
  • Many communities use rainwater harvesting systems to secure drinkable water, showcasing innovation in resource management.

Culture

  • In various cultures, certain drinks are considered 'drinkable,' such as herbal teas that are popular in Asian societies.
  • Festivals often celebrate local drinkable products like wine or traditional beverages unique to a region.
  • The act of sharing drinkable liquids, like tea or coffee, is seen as a gesture of hospitality in many cultures.

Technology

  • Advancements in filtration technology are crucial for converting non-drinkable water into safe drinking water.
  • Desalination plants are designed to make seawater drinkable, addressing water scarcity in arid regions.
  • Mobile apps are being developed to locate clean, drinkable water sources, particularly in disaster-stricken areas.

Origin of 'drinkable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'drincan,' meaning 'to drink'.
  • It uses the suffix '-able,' which means 'capable of' or 'worthy of', indicating something can be drunk.
  • Originally, the word helped distinguish safe liquids from those that could be harmful.

The word 'drinkable' has its roots in the Old English word 'drincan', which means 'to drink'. It is formed by combining 'drink' with the suffix '-able', indicating suitability or capability. Over time, 'drinkable' has been used to describe liquids that meet safety standards for human consumption. Its usage has become increasingly important in discussions surrounding water quality and public health, especially in areas where access to safe drinking water is a challenge.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,821 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.