electric

The word “electric” means powered by or relating to electricity. In plain terms, running on electricity — or, figuratively, thrillingly tense and exciting.

“Electric” is pronounced ih-LEHKT-rihk (/ɪˈlɛktɹɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “electric” used in a sentence: “They bought an electric car to cut down on fuel costs.”

Depending on how it is used, “electric” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “electric” comes from New Latin. From New Latin electricus, "of amber," coined because rubbing amber produces a static charge; ultimately from Greek ēlektron, "amber.".

“Electric” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Electric” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: powered by or relating to electricity.

Electric describes things powered by electricity or that carry it — an electric kettle, an electric current. Electronic refers to devices that control that current through components like microchips and circuits to process information, such as a computer or phone. Put simply, electric is about power; electronic is about signals and control.

The two overlap, but there is a useful pattern. "Electric" tends to describe something directly powered by or producing electricity — an electric car, an electric shock. "Electrical" describes things relating to electricity more generally — electrical engineering, an electrical fault. So a device is electric, while the wider system or field is electrical.

Used figuratively, electric describes a mood that feels thrilling, tense, and full of energy, as if charged with electricity. An "electric atmosphere" at a concert or match is one buzzing with excitement. This vivid sense borrows from the literal one, suggesting a crowd or moment crackling with intensity.

Everyday electric items include an electric car, electric guitar, electric heater, and electric toothbrush — all powered by electricity rather than fuel, muscle, or clockwork. The word marks the power source, which is why electric vehicles are named in contrast to petrol- or diesel-powered ones.