hydrate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Scientific/Health-conscious informal
Quick answer
What does “hydrate” mean?
To supply water or moisture to something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To supply water or moisture to something; to combine chemically with water.
To provide necessary fluids to the body to maintain health; also, in chemistry, to form a compound containing water molecules.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences ('hydration' vs 'hydration' same). Usage is nearly identical, though 'hydrate' as a health imperative is slightly more prevalent in US marketing.
Connotations
In both, the health connotation is strong. In British English, the chemical/technical sense might be slightly more primary.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly higher in US due to fitness culture.
Grammar
How to Use “hydrate” in a Sentence
[VN] Hydrate your body.[V] You must hydrate before the race.[V-adj] The powder hydrates quickly.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hydrate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It's crucial to hydrate adequately before the marathon.
- The chemist will hydrate the anhydrous salt.
American English
- You gotta hydrate if you're out in this heat.
- This lotion hydrates your skin all day.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Standard usage does not have a common dedicated adverb form; 'hydratingly' is non-standard.)
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The hydrate compound was stable.
- Keep your body well-hydrated.
American English
- She uses a deeply hydrating serum.
- Staying hydrated is key.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing for skincare or beverages: 'Our new formula helps hydrate skin for 24 hours.'
Academic
In chemistry: 'Copper sulphate will hydrate to form blue crystals.'
Everyday
In health advice: 'Remember to hydrate during this hot weather.'
Technical
In medicine or sports science: 'Athletes must hydrate to optimal levels to prevent cramping.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hydrate”
- Using 'hydrate' as a general synonym for 'drink' (e.g., 'I hydrated a coffee' is wrong). Confusing 'hydrated' (state) with 'moisturised' (specifically for skin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday health contexts, yes, it specifically means to consume fluids to maintain water balance. However, it's more precise and encompasses the process of absorption, not just the act of drinking.
In skincare, 'hydrate' typically means to add water to the skin, while 'moisturize' means to seal in that water with oils or emollients to prevent evaporation.
Yes, in chemistry, a 'hydrate' (noun) is a substance that contains water molecules bound within its crystal structure, e.g., copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate.
The direct antonym is 'dehydrate', meaning to remove water from something, either from the body or a chemical compound.
To supply water or moisture to something.
Hydrate is usually formal/scientific/health-conscious informal in register.
Hydrate: in British English it is pronounced /haɪˈdreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.dreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hydrate or diedrate (humorous/informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think HYDRANT (a source of water) + ATE (past of eat) -> to 'water-eat' or take in water.
Conceptual Metaphor
WATER IS FUEL / WATER IS A BINDING AGENT
Practice
Quiz
In a chemical context, what does it mean to 'hydrate' a substance?