acids - Master This Word
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acids Word Meanings
- a chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis
- sour in taste or sharp in quality
- a person or thing with a biting or corrosive quality
acids Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
acids Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈæs.ɪd/
US
/ˈæs.ɪd/
acids Word Etymology
The word 'acid' comes from Latin 'acidus' meaning 'sour', which became 'acide' in Old French before entering Middle English. Visualize a lemon being squeezed, releasing its tart juice and creating a pucker in your lips – that’s the essence of 'acid'.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I hold a lemon, twist it, and watch the juice move from rind into the cup. The sour rush hits my tongue and my mouth shifts as I adjust how I breathe to ride the bite. I push a little harder, keep the squeeze steady, and let the sting rise and fall. In that moment acid feels like a label for both that sharp taste and something that can bite or burn in a scene, and I sense how I might use it in talk or writing.
Real Context
Acid is a versatile word with both scientific and everyday meanings. In chemistry it denotes a substance that can donate protons or accept electrons, often reacting with bases to form salts. In everyday English, acids are associated with sourness, as in lemon juice or vinegar, and with a biting, sharp quality in taste, language, or criticism. The word also appears in phrases such as acidic atmosphere, acidic remarks, or acid tests, where the sense of harshness or intensity is key. Learners should distinguish the chemical sense from the figurative one and note the common adjectives such as acidic, acidity, and acidic foods.
Usage Reminders
- Know the two main senses: chemical and figurative. Remember acid is not the same as base. Use acidic for descriptions, acidity for the noun form. Practice with food, safety, and scientific contexts. Distinguish countable vs uncountable uses (an acid, acids). Be mindful of common collocations like acidic solution and acidity level.
Common Misconceptions
- Acid equals sour taste only.
- All acids are dangerous or corrosive.
- Acid is the same as acid-base neutralization (they always balance).
- Acid can only refer to chemistry, not foods or moods.
- Acid cannot be plural or counted.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Read definitions in context to see science vs metaphor
- Make a vocabulary map: acid, acidic, acidity
- Practice with food labels and safety warnings
- Notice collocations like acid rain, acidic solution
- Compare acids with bases to reinforce contrast
- Use flashcards with multilingual examples
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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