electric
gb/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk/ us/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk/
A2
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Powered by electricity
Using power from electricity to work.
Usage pattern:
an electric [device/appliance/machine]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'electric' with 'electronic'. 'Electric' means powered by electricity, while 'electronic' refers to devices that use electrical circuits to process information.
Synonyms
electrical (Often interchangeable, but 'electrical' is more general and can describe things related to electricity, not just powered by it.)
Antonyms
manual (Operated by hand or without electricity.)
Collocations
electric car
|electric light
|electric heater
|electric guitar
|electric motor
Themes
science
|technology
|daily life
|daily_life
Examples
- We bought an electric car to reduce emissions.
- The room was lit by a single electric bulb.
- She plugged in the electric kettle to make tea.
- This electric drill is much faster than the old one.
- The band played an amazing solo on the electric guitar.
Learner examples
- I use an electric fan in summer.
- The electric light is very bright.
- He has an electric bike.
- We have an electric oven in the kitchen.
- She plays music on her electric piano.
adjective
B2
property
2
Exciting and intense
Making people feel very excited or full of energy.
Usage pattern:
an electric [atmosphere/moment/performance]
Common mistake:
Learners may think this means 'related to electricity', but here it is figurative, meaning full of excitement or energy.
Synonyms
thrilling (Similar in meaning, but 'thrilling' often implies excitement mixed with suspense or danger.)
Antonyms
dull (Lacking excitement or interest.)
Collocations
electric atmosphere
|electric performance
|electric moment
Themes
emotions
|entertainment
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The atmosphere in the stadium was electric before the final goal.
- Her speech created an electric mood in the room.
- It was an electric night at the concert.
- The crowd gave an electric response to the announcement.
- The debate had an electric tension that kept everyone engaged.
Learner examples
- The game had an electric atmosphere.
- His music made the crowd electric.
- It was an electric night for the team.
- The party was electric after midnight.
- The room felt electric when she entered.
Grammar
Dictionary form
electric
IPA
GB/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk/
US/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk/
Syllables & stress
elec - tric (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tric)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: electric
Word family
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
non-electric
adjective
Advanced or less common
electrification
noun C1
Expressions
electric current
1/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk kˈɚənt/
fixed phrase
technical
Flow of electric charge
The movement of electricity through something like a wire.
Examples
- An electric current flows through the circuit when the switch is on.
- Electric current is measured in amperes.
electric shock
1/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk ʃˈɑk/
fixed phrase
Sudden jolt from electricity
A sudden pain or injury when electricity goes through your body.
Examples
- He got an electric shock when he touched the bare wire.
- Be careful not to give yourself an electric shock while fixing the plug.
electric vehicle
1/ɪlˈɛktɹɪk vˈiɪkəl/
fixed phrase
Vehicle powered by electricity
A car, bus, or other vehicle that runs on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.
Examples
- Electric vehicles are becoming cheaper and more common.
- Electric vehicles are becoming more popular due to environmental concerns.
- He bought an electric vehicle to save on fuel costs.
- He bought an electric vehicle to save fuel costs.