electric
Definitions
Operated by, producing, or carrying electricity.
用电的；导电的；电动的。
Thrilling and full of tense excitement, as if charged.
（气氛、表演等）令人激动的，紧张兴奋的，像带了电一样。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedelectr- (amber, the stone that attracts when rubbed) + -ic (relating to) = "of the amber kind." William Gilbert coined Latin electricus in 1600 for materials that, like rubbed amber, pull small objects toward them. The figurative sense — an electric atmosphere — borrows the image of a charged, about-to-spark tension.
Root electric still carries 7 more wordsUsage Guide
electric vs electrical — use electric for things that run on or carry current directly (electric car, electric guitar, electric shock) and for the figurative "thrilling" sense. Use electrical for the wider field, systems, and professions (electrical engineering, electrical fault, electrical appliance). Rough test: if it plugs in or zaps, it's usually electric; if it's about wiring or the discipline, it's electrical.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She bought an electric car to cut down on petrol costs.
- 2.
Don't touch that wire — you could get an electric shock.
- 3.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric before kickoff.
Easily Confused
electric vs electronic — electric is about power: it runs on or carries electricity (electric kettle, electric motor). electronic is about controlling tiny currents to process information using components like chips and transistors (electronic device, electronic music). A heater is electric; a laptop is electronic.