ink
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A coloured liquid used for writing, drawing, printing, or as a liquid used in electronic printing processes.
Can metaphorically refer to a substance for marking, a fluid used in certain marine animals for defence (e.g., squid ink), or the medium of public written opinion or journalism ('the power of the ink').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an uncountable noun denoting the substance; countable when referring to types or colours (e.g., different inks). As a verb, it means to write or sign in ink, or more recently, to sign a contract.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The verb 'ink' (to sign a contract) is slightly more prevalent in US business journalism.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of permanence, officialdom (inked signatures), and creativity.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in the business context ('to ink a deal').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] + ink[V] + with ink[V] + a deal/contract (verb usage)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ink is still wet on the contract (very recent agreement)”
- “Spill ink over something (write at length about)”
- “Ink-stained wretch (old term for a journalist)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The two companies finally inked the merger agreement yesterday.
Academic
The manuscript was written in iron-gall ink, common in medieval Europe.
Everyday
I need to buy some more blue ink for my fountain pen.
Technical
The CMYK printing process uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) inks.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The author has just inked a three-book deal with a major publisher.
- He carefully inked in the outlines of the drawing.
American English
- The rookie pitcher inked a multi-million dollar contract with the Yankees.
- She inked her signature with a flourish.
adjective
British English
- The artist preferred an ink-based medium for her sketches.
- He had ink-stained fingers from refilling his cartridge.
American English
- The contract is pending, not yet an ink-on-paper agreement.
- She bought an ink-refill kit for her printer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please write your name in black ink.
- My pen has no ink left.
- The printer is low on cyan ink.
- The ancient letter was faded, but the ink was still visible.
- Before ballpoints, people had to constantly dip their pens in ink.
- The squid released a cloud of ink to escape the predator.
- The journalist was known for his acerbic prose, his metaphorical ink often laced with venom.
- The treaty was inked after months of arduous negotiation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INK' as what you need to write when you 'thiNK' on paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
INK IS A FLUID OF RECORD / INK IS PERMANENCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Russian 'инка' (Inca) is unrelated.
- The verb 'to ink' (подписывать договор) can be a calque from English business news.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ink' as a countable noun incorrectly ('an ink' vs 'some ink').
- Confusing 'ink' (liquid) with 'pen' (the tool).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common collocation with 'ink'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable (some ink). It becomes countable when referring to different types or colours (e.g., 'The artist used four different inks in this work').
It is a business idiom meaning to sign a contract or formal agreement, making it official.
It is a dark liquid released by cephalopods like squid and cuttlefish as a defence mechanism to confuse predators. It is also used as a culinary ingredient, notably in pasta.
Ink is a liquid or paste used in inkjet printers. Toner is a fine powder used in laser printers and photocopiers, which is fused to the paper with heat.