spirituous
/'spiritjuəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Containing alcohol; alcoholic: Describes a liquid, typically a beverage, that contains a significant amount of distilled alcohol (ethanol). It implies a high alcoholic strength. 2. Of the nature of or resembling alcohol: Pertaining to the qualities or characteristics of strong distilled spirits.
Usage
The word "spirituous" is a formal and somewhat technical term, primarily used to describe alcoholic drinks, especially distilled liquors. It is less common in everyday conversation than words like "alcoholic" or "strong."
Examples
- Adjective:
- The law prohibited the sale of all spirituous liquors on Sundays.
- Traditional medicinal tonics often contained spirituous extracts.
- He avoided spirituous beverages, preferring wine or beer.
Advanced Usage
- In historical/legal contexts: Often found in old texts, legal documents, or historical descriptions concerning alcohol regulation, temperance movements, or taxation.
- The 18th-century act imposed a tax on spirituous liquors.
- In chemistry or pharmacy (archaic): Could describe volatile, alcohol-like substances.
- The spirituous fraction of the distillation was collected separately.
Variants and Related Words
- Spirit (noun): A strong distilled alcoholic drink such as gin, rum, or whiskey. (e.g., )
- Spiritous (adjective): An alternative, less common spelling with the same meaning as "spirituous."
Synonyms
- Alcoholic: Containing alcohol.
- Hard (as in ): Referring to distilled alcoholic beverages.
- Strong: Having high alcohol content.
- Intoxicating: Capable of causing intoxication.
Antonyms
- Non-alcoholic: Containing no alcohol.
- Soft (as in ): Non-alcoholic.
- Temperate: Abstaining from or moderate in the use of alcoholic drinks.
Adjective
- containing or of the nature of alcohol
- spiritous beverages
- spirituous liquors