aphrodisiac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, medical; occasionally used in everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “aphrodisiac” mean?
A food, drink, drug, or other substance believed to arouse sexual desire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A food, drink, drug, or other substance believed to arouse sexual desire.
Something that has an arousing or stimulating effect, not necessarily sexual (e.g., an aphrodisiac scent, an aphrodisiac atmosphere). This use is metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in a literary or humorous context in BrE. In AmE, may appear more in marketing/commercial contexts for certain foods.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “aphrodisiac” in a Sentence
[Substance] is/acts as an aphrodisiac.[Substance] has aphrodisiac properties.They believe [substance] to be an aphrodisiac.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aphrodisiac” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form in common use.
American English
- No standard verb form in common use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form in common use.
American English
- No standard adverb form in common use.
adjective
British English
- The perfume was marketed for its subtle, aphrodisiac scent.
- They attributed aphrodisiac qualities to the rare truffle.
American English
- The drink's aphrodisiac effect was more psychological than real.
- Some cultures have long-held beliefs about aphrodisiac herbs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Marketing for luxury foods (oysters, chocolate), perfumes, or wellness products.
Academic
In historical, anthropological, or pharmacological studies of human sexuality and cultural practices.
Everyday
Discussing foods like oysters or chillies, often humorously or skeptically.
Technical
In pharmacology, referring to substances that increase libido (e.g., 'potential aphrodisiac drug candidate').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aphrodisiac”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aphrodisiac”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aphrodisiac”
- Misspelling: 'aphrodisiac' (common error: *aphrodesiac). Incorrect pronunciation: stressing the first syllable (*'A-fro-dis-iac'). Using it as a verb (*'It aphrodisiacs me').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun, but it is very commonly used as an adjective before other nouns (e.g., 'aphrodisiac effects'). It is not typically used predicatively as an adjective (not 'The effects were aphrodisiac').
It derives from the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, associated with love and beauty, via the Greek 'aphrodisiakos'.
Very few substances are medically proven to enhance libido. Some prescription drugs for sexual dysfunction exist. Most traditional aphrodisiacs (like oysters, chocolate, ginseng) rely on cultural belief and the placebo effect.
An anaphrodisiac (e.g., certain medications, chemicals that reduce sexual desire).
A food, drink, drug, or other substance believed to arouse sexual desire.
Aphrodisiac is usually formal, literary, medical; occasionally used in everyday contexts. in register.
Aphrodisiac: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæf.rəˈdɪz.i.æk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæf.rəˈdɪ.zi.æk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the word. The concept is often referenced in phrases like 'the food of love'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of APHRODITE (Greek goddess of love) + SIAC (sounds like 'seek'). You seek Aphrodite's help with an aphrodisiac.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/DESIRE IS A SUBSTANCE THAT CAN BE INGESTED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'aphrodisiac' LEAST likely to be used accurately?