adhesive
gb/ædhˈisɪv/ us/ædhˈisɪv/
B1
English
~ 9700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
substance used for sticking things
A substance that makes things stick together, like glue.
Usage pattern:
to apply [adhesive] to [surface]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *“to adhesive two things”* as a verb. Use “to glue” or “to stick” instead, and keep “adhesive” as a noun or adjective (e.g., “use an adhesive to stick the parts together”). Another confusion is using “tape” alone when they mean the sticky substance itself; “adhesive” refers to the sticky material, not the whole product.
Synonyms
glue (The most common everyday word; often less technical than “adhesive”.)
|
cement (More technical; often used for very strong or construction-related adhesives.)
|
paste (Suggests a thick, soft adhesive, often for paper or crafts.)
Antonyms
solvent (A liquid that dissolves or removes an adhesive instead of making things stick.)
Collocations
strong adhesive
|apply adhesive
|spray adhesive
|adhesive tape
|adhesive residue
|water-based adhesive
Themes
materials
|daily life
|technology
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Use a strong adhesive to fix the broken handle.
- The label’s adhesive lost its strength in the heat.
- Carpenters often choose a wood adhesive that dries clear.
- Once the adhesive sets, the tiles will not move.
- She sprayed adhesive on the back of the poster before mounting it.
Learner examples
- I need a good adhesive for this broken cup.
- This sticker has very weak adhesive.
- The teacher used spray adhesive to put the pictures on the wall.
- Please wait until the adhesive is dry.
- He bought an adhesive for metal at the hardware store.
adjective
B2
property
2
able to stick to surfaces
Having a surface that can stick to other things.
Usage pattern:
[adhesive] [tape/label/bandage]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use “adhesive” to describe people (e.g., *“My friend is very adhesive”*) when they mean “clingy” or “needy”. “Adhesive” is normally used only for physical surfaces and materials, not personalities. Another mistake is word order, saying *“a tape adhesive”* instead of “adhesive tape”. In English, the adjective usually comes before the noun.
Synonyms
sticky (Most common everyday word; broader and more informal than “adhesive”.)
|
tacky (Often used for slightly sticky or not yet fully dry surfaces.)
Antonyms
non-stick (Describes surfaces specifically designed so that things will not stick to them.)
Collocations
adhesive tape
|adhesive bandage
|adhesive label
|adhesive backing
|adhesive surface
|adhesive properties
Themes
materials
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The adhesive strip keeps the bandage in place.
- Make sure the wall is clean before applying the adhesive tiles.
- These notes come with an adhesive backing, so you don’t need pins.
- Engineers tested how strong the adhesive layer was under heat.
- The pads have an adhesive surface on one side only.
Learner examples
- The bandage has an adhesive side.
- I bought adhesive tape to wrap the box.
- This label is not very adhesive; it falls off.
- The tiles have an adhesive back.
- Please use the adhesive pads under the chair legs.
Grammar
Dictionary form
adhesive
IPA
GB/ædhˈisɪv/
US/ædhˈisɪv/
Syllables & stress
ad - hes - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (hes)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: adhesive
Noun
- Base: adhesive
- Plural: adhesives
Word family
Expressions
adhesive bandage
1/ædhˈisɪv bˈændɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
small sticky bandage for cuts
A small bandage with a sticky edge that you put on a cut or small wound.
Examples
- He cleaned the cut and put an adhesive bandage over it.
- Keep some adhesive bandages in your bag for emergencies.
adhesive tape
1/ædhˈisɪv tˈeɪp/
fixed phrase
narrow strip of sticky tape
A narrow strip of material with one sticky side, used to hold things together or in place.
Examples
- She used adhesive tape to seal the box.
- The electrician wrapped the wires with adhesive tape.
contact adhesive
1/kˈɑntˌækt ædhˈisɪv/
fixed phrase
adhesive that bonds on contact
A strong glue that you put on both surfaces and let dry until sticky, then press them together to make a tight bond.
Examples
- Contact adhesive is ideal for sticking laminates to countertops.
- With contact adhesive, you usually get only one chance to position the pieces correctly.
pressure-sensitive adhesive
1/pɹˈɛʃɚ sˈɛnsɪtɪv ædhˈisɪv/
fixed phrase
technical
adhesive activated by light pressure
A type of glue on products like stickers and tape that sticks when you press it, without heat or water.
Examples
- Most labels use a pressure-sensitive adhesive for easy application.
- The company developed a new pressure-sensitive adhesive for medical tapes.
spray adhesive
1/spɹˈeɪ ædhˈisɪv/
fixed phrase
adhesive that is sprayed on
A type of glue that comes in a can and is put on a surface by spraying.
Examples
- Designers often use spray adhesive for mounting posters on foam board.
- Apply spray adhesive evenly, then press the two surfaces together.