Electric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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electric

[ɪˈlɛktrɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

power supply

relating to or working by electricity

Synonyms

electrical, powered by electricity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
electric

Used to describe something that uses, produces, or is related to electricity. It often refers to devices and machines.

  • She drives an electric car.
  • We need to charge our electric toothbrush.
electrical

Refers to anything related to electricity, usually more abstract, technical, or related to the science and industry of electricity.

  • He is studying electrical engineering.
  • They installed new electrical wiring in the house.
powered by electricity

Describes something that operates by using electricity, typically used to emphasize the power source and often found in marketing or product descriptions.

  • The new lawnmower is powered by electricity.
  • This scooter is powered by electricity instead of gasoline.

Examples of usage

  • an electric heater
  • electric lights
Context #2 | Noun

vehicle

a vehicle powered by an electric motor, such as an electric car

Synonyms

EV, electric vehicle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
electric

Use when referring to anything powered by electricity. It can describe a variety of devices or systems.

  • He uses an electric toothbrush every morning.
  • This new house has electric heating.
EV

Use as an abbreviation for 'electric vehicle.' Commonly used in more casual or industry-specific conversations.

  • I'm considering getting an EV for my daily commute.
  • Tesla is a well-known manufacturer of EVs.
electric vehicle

Use when referring to a type of vehicle that runs on electric power instead of gasoline.

  • He just bought an electric vehicle to reduce his carbon footprint.
  • Charging stations for electric vehicles are increasingly common.

Examples of usage

  • She drives an electric to work every day
  • The company is investing in electric production
Context #3 | Adjective

excitement

having or producing exciting and sensational effects

Synonyms

exciting, thrilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
electric

Best used to describe something that is literally powered by electricity or to describe an atmosphere that is full of excitement and energy.

  • The concert had an electric atmosphere.
  • They bought a new electric car.
exciting

Ideal for describing something that causes a lot of interest and enthusiasm. It is generally positive.

  • The movie was very exciting.
  • We're planning an exciting trip to Japan.
thrilling

Used to describe something that provokes a strong feeling of excitement, often with an element of suspense or danger. This word is also positive.

  • The roller coaster ride was absolutely thrilling.
  • Solving the mystery was a thrilling experience.

Examples of usage

  • an electric performance
  • an electric atmosphere

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Electricity travels at nearly the speed of light, making it a fast way to transmit energy.
  • There are two main types of electricity: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), each used for different purposes.
  • Electrons, which are tiny particles in atoms, are responsible for conducting electricity.

Pop Culture

  • Electric-themed music genres like electronic dance music (EDM) have become hugely popular for their energetic beats.
  • In movies, characters often use electric powers, such as the superhero Thor, who controls lightning and storms.

History

  • In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were pivotal in developing systems to generate and distribute electricity.
  • The 'Electric City' is a nickname given to various cities known for their advancements and contributions to electrical engineering.

Technology

  • Electric cars are becoming popular as a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-fueled vehicles.
  • Smart homes use electric devices to enhance convenience, allowing control of lights, thermostats, and security systems from a smartphone.

Origin of 'electric'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'electric' comes from the Greek word 'ēlektron', which means 'amber', a material that can attract small objects when rubbed.
  • In the 17th century, the term 'electricus' was first used to describe the property of attracting small particles due to friction.

The word 'electric' comes from the Latin word 'electricus', meaning 'resembling amber'. The term was first used in English in the 17th century to describe the properties of amber that exhibited static electricity when rubbed. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the broader concept of electricity and its applications in various fields.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,423, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.