electric

Everyday

1. Electric means using or working by electricity, like an electric kettle or electric car. tree →
2. Electric means made by electricity, like an electric shock or an electric current. tree →
3. Electric can describe a very exciting feeling: «The atmosphere was electric». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on electricity, an electric circuit needs a power source (battery), wires and a complete loop for a bulb to light. In safety, electric shocks from sockets, damaged wires, power lines and water near electric things can kill; keep electric things away from the bath and sink, and never fly kites near power lines. Phrases: electric shock, electric car, electric guitar, electric current, electric fence, electric eel.

Examples

• Our new car is electric. tree →
• The electric kettle switches off by itself. tree →
• Never touch a broken electric cable. tree →
• He got an electric shock from the old toaster. tree →
• We made an electric circuit with a battery and a bulb. tree →
• Don't use electric things near water. tree →
• The farm has an electric fence to keep cows in. tree →
• The crowd was electric at the final. tree →
• Our aunt had an electric wire from the theatre to her room. tree →

Note

Electric = working by electricity (an electric heater). Electrical is very similar and is used for general things (electrical equipment, an electrical fault). Electricity is the noun. An electric eel can give a real shock.