electricity
gb/ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti/ us/ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti/
A2
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Energy from moving electric charges
Energy that comes from moving electrical charges and can be used to make machines work or produce light and heat.
Usage pattern:
[something] uses electricity
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'electricity' with 'electrical' or 'electric', which are adjectives, not the noun for the energy itself.
Synonyms
power (A general term for energy supply; not always limited to electrical energy.)
Antonyms
power outage (Refers to a loss of electrical power supply.)
Collocations
generate electricity
|use electricity
|save electricity
|electricity supply
|electricity bill
Themes
science
|technology
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The storm caused a major electricity outage across the city.
- Solar panels can generate electricity from sunlight.
- Electricity powers almost every appliance in our homes.
- Factories need a constant supply of electricity to operate.
- The cost of electricity has risen sharply this year.
Learner examples
- I use electricity to cook food.
- The lights go off when there is no electricity.
- We get electricity from the power company.
- Electricity makes the fan spin.
Noun
B2
state
2
Excited or tense atmosphere
A feeling of excitement or tension in the air or between people.
Usage pattern:
there is electricity [in the air/between people]
Common mistake:
Learners may think this meaning refers to literal electrical energy instead of an emotional atmosphere.
Synonyms
excitement (A general feeling of eager enjoyment; less likely to imply tension.)
Antonyms
calm (A state with no excitement or tension.)
Collocations
electricity in the air
|sense of electricity
Themes
emotions
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There was electricity in the air as the band took the stage.
- You could feel the electricity between the two actors during the scene.
- The debate was full of electricity and passion.
Learner examples
- There was electricity in the room before the game started.
- I felt electricity when I met her for the first time.
- The crowd had electricity before the concert.
Grammar
Dictionary form
electricity
IPA
GB/ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti/
US/ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti/
Syllables & stress
elec - tri - city (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (city)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: electricity
- Plural: electricity
Word family
Core family
Related words
Advanced or less common
Expressions
electricity in the air
1/ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti ˈɪn ðə ˈɛɹ/
idiom
Atmosphere full of excitement or tension
A strong feeling of excitement or tension that many people can feel in a place or situation.
Examples
- There was electricity in the air before the final whistle.
- You could sense the electricity in the air at the wedding reception.
generate electricity
1/d͡ʒˈɛnɚˌeɪt ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti/
fixed phrase
Produce electrical power
To make electrical energy for use.
Examples
- Wind turbines generate electricity for thousands of homes.
- The dam generates electricity by using flowing water.
save electricity
1/sˈeɪv ɪlˌɛktɹˈɪsəti/
fixed phrase
Use less electrical power
To reduce the amount of electrical energy you use.
Examples
- Turn off the lights to save electricity.
- We installed LED bulbs to save electricity.