strong drink: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, archaic, biblical
Quick answer
What does “strong drink” mean?
an alcoholic beverage, especially one with a high alcohol content.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
an alcoholic beverage, especially one with a high alcohol content.
Often used to refer to distilled spirits (e.g., whiskey, vodka) as opposed to beer or wine; can carry a moral or cautionary tone regarding excessive consumption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK English, particularly in historical or religious texts. In US English, 'hard liquor' or 'spirits' is more contemporary.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, sometimes stern or judgemental connotation. It's associated with warnings against drunkenness.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary spoken language; higher in written, especially religious or legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “strong drink” in a Sentence
abstain from + strong drinkindulge in + strong drinkbe under the influence of + strong drinkavoid + strong drinkVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in licensing laws or historical contexts related to the sale of alcohol.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or theological studies discussing alcohol consumption.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. An older person might use it humorously or sternly.
Technical
Not typical. Legal texts might use 'intoxicating liquor' instead.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strong drink”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strong drink”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strong drink”
- Using it to refer to any alcoholic drink like beer or wine (it specifically implies high alcohol content).
- Using it in casual, modern contexts where 'a drink' or 'liquor' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Strong drink' specifically and exclusively refers to alcoholic beverages with high alcohol content. 'A strong coffee' refers to the taste or caffeine concentration.
It would sound very old-fashioned or humorous. It's better to use the specific name of the drink (e.g., whiskey, vodka) or ask for 'spirits' or 'a cocktail'.
Because it appears in several English translations of the Bible (e.g., Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 5:11, 24:9) in warnings against intoxication.
'Alcohol' is the broad, neutral chemical term. 'Strong drink' is a specific, often judgmental phrase focusing on the potency of distilled spirits, not usually beer or wine.
an alcoholic beverage, especially one with a high alcohol content.
Strong drink is usually formal, literary, archaic, biblical in register.
Strong drink: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɒŋ ˈdrɪŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɔːŋ ˈdrɪŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the demon drink”
- “in one's cups”
- “under the influence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'strong' personality that overpowers you, just as a 'strong drink' overpowers your senses.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS POTENCY / VICE IS A FORCE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'strong drink' LEAST likely to be used today?