spirits
Definition
Noun: 1. Distilled alcoholic beverages: A strong alcoholic drink produced by distillation, not fermentation. This category includes drinks like whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. 2. Mood or emotional state (plural form, distinct meaning): While "spirits" in this context refers to alcohol, the identical plural form can also mean a person's feelings or emotional state (e.g., "in high spirits"). This entry focuses solely on the alcoholic beverage meaning.
Usage and Examples
- As a general term for strong alcohol: "The bar is well-stocked with various spirits and liqueurs."
- Referring to a type or brand: "Which spirits do you prefer in your cocktail—gin or vodka?"
- In commercial or legal contexts: "The store has a license to sell wine, beer, and spirits."
Advanced Usage
- "The water of life": An archaic or poetic synonym for distilled spirits, derived from Latin .
- The old recipe was for a powerful spirit considered the water of life.
Variants and Related Words
- Spirit (noun, singular): Can refer to a single type of distilled alcohol (e.g., "a clear spirit"), or to the non-alcoholic meanings such as a ghost, soul, or attitude.
- Distilled beverage (noun phrase): A more technical synonym for spirits.
- Liquor (noun): A common synonym in American English.
- Hard liquor (noun phrase): Emphasizes the high alcohol content compared to beer or wine.
Synonyms
- Liquor
- Hard alcohol
- Distillate
- Booze (informal)
Antonyms
- Fermented beverage (e.g., beer, wine)
- Non-alcoholic drink
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To lift one's spirits: This idiom uses the meaning of "spirits," not the alcoholic one. It means to make someone feel happier.
- The good news really lifted her spirits.
- In high spirits / In low spirits: These common phrases also refer to the emotional state (happy or sad), not to alcohol.
Noun
-
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "spirits"
Từ có nhắc đến "spirits"
