Words / B2

DEEK-af/ˈdiːkæf/

Decaf is coffee or tea with most of the caffeine removed (informal): a decaf; decaf coffee (also as an adjective). Decaffeinated is the full form; caffeine-free is a close twin, not always accurate. Decaf in the nutrition table still needs the caffeine mg left. Mix-up: decaf vs decay; decal; do not write decaf for a drink that is only “weak” in the source.

Meaning

Coffee or tea with most of the caffeine removed (informal; also as an adjective).

Examples

• “Decaf in the nutrition table still needs the caffeine mg left, not a café slogan.”
• “A decaf option featured in the canteen survey, which is still a named drink — quote the n if given.”

Good to know

a decaf; decaf coffee / tea. Full form: decaffeinated. Trap: decay / weak coffee with caffeine still in. Food tech and PSHE. Coffee or tea with little caffeine — quote mg left.

Near in meaning

decaffeinated, caffeine-free, unleaded (informal)

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