Definition

Noun 1. A non-alcoholic beverage, typically carbonated: A "soft drink" is a drink that does not contain alcohol. It is usually, but not always, carbonated (contains bubbles). This category includes sodas, sparkling water, and other sweetened or flavored non-alcoholic beverages.

Usage

The term "soft drink" is used to categorize and request beverages that are not alcoholic or "hard" drinks. It is a common term in restaurants, stores, and social settings. - As a countable noun: You can have one soft drink or several soft drinks. - Context: Often used to contrast with alcoholic beverages (e.g., "Would you like a beer or a soft drink?").

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Soft drink" vs. "Soda/Pop/Coke": In different regions, the common word for a sweet, carbonated soft drink varies (e.g., "soda" in the Northeast US, "pop" in the Midwest, "coke" as a generic term in the South). "Soft drink" is the more formal, umbrella term.
• In compound nouns: The term can appear in phrases like "soft drink industry" or "soft drink consumption."

Variants and Related Words

• Soda (n): A common synonym for a sweet, carbonated soft drink.
• Pop (n): A regional term for a sweet, carbonated soft drink.
• Carbonated beverage (n): A more technical term emphasizing the presence of carbon dioxide gas.
• Non-alcoholic beverage (n): The direct definitional phrase; a broader category that includes soft drinks, juice, tea, etc.

Synonyms

• Non-alcoholic drink
• Soda (for carbonated types)
• Cold drink (in some contexts/regions)

Antonyms

• Hard drink
• Alcoholic beverage
• Spirits

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "On the wagon": While not directly containing "soft drink," someone who is "on the wagon" (abstaining from alcohol) would typically drink soft drinks.
  • Since he's on the wagon, he's been drinking a lot of soft drinks at parties.

Noun

1. nonalcoholic beverage (usually carbonated)