Words / B1

alk-uh-HOL-ik/ˌælkəˈhɒlɪk/

Alcoholic as an adjective means containing alcohol: alcoholic drinks; non-alcoholic beer. As a noun it means a person with alcohol dependence — use it carefully; person with alcohol dependence is more sensitive in health writing. Alcohol is the substance (already in the dictionary). Do not call orange juice alcoholic.

Meaning

Containing alcohol; as a noun, a person who cannot control their drinking.

Examples

• “Alcoholic drinks are not sold to anyone under eighteen.”
• “Alcoholic drinks are not sold to anyone under eighteen in the UK.”
• “The menu marks non-alcoholic cocktails clearly, which is the adjective sense.”

Good to know

alcoholic drinks; non-alcoholic. Noun (sensitive): an alcoholic. Substance: alcohol. Legal age in UK: 18 for purchase.

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