Tonic Meaning
/ˈtɒnɪk/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjPertaining to tension, especially of the muscles.
adjRestorative; curative; or invigorating.
Sentence Examples
I'd like a gin and tonic.
Let's qualify this gin with tonic water.
What I want is a gin and tonic.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After feeling very weak and extremely tired for weeks, the doctor recommended a ____ to restore my energy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A walk in the fresh air of the countryside was a perfect ____ after a long and very busy week at the office today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ten- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *tónos Proto-Hellenic *tónos Ancient Greek τόνος (tónos) Proto-Indo-European *-kos Ancient Greek -κός (-kós) Ancient Greek -ικός (-ikós) Ancient Greek τονῐκός (tonĭkós) English tonic From Ancient Greek τονικός (tonikós), from τόνος (tónos). 17th century writers believed health to be derived from firmly stretched muscles, thus tonic; the extension of tonic medicine appeared in the late 18th century. By surface analysis, ton(e) + -ic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Out in front and across the street, Doc noted half a dozen or so young men, not loitering or doing substances but poised and tonic, as if waiting for some standing order to take effect."
— 2009, Thomas Pynchon, Inherent Vice, Vintage, published 2010, page 316:
"Charlie ain't no Nazi / She likes to wear her leather boots / 'Cause it's exciting for the veterans / And it's a tonic for the troops."
— 1978, “She's So Modern”, performed by The Boomtown Rats:
"'You're a tonic, Dee,' she said. 'And a real friend. Thanks.'"
— 2011, Cathy Kelly, She's the One:
"The result is the perfect tonic for Newcastle, coming at the end of a week that saw the departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool on Monday and an injury to Shola Ameobi during Wednesday's defeat at Fulham."
— 2011 February 5, Paul Fletcher, “Newcastle 4 - 4 Arsenal”, in BBC:
"When all signs of effusion, dulness, pain, œgophony, and cough had disappeared he was dieted, stimulated, and tonicked."
— 1887, Medical Press and Circular, volume 94, page 461:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After feeling very weak and extremely tired for weeks, the doctor recommended a ____ to restore my energy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A walk in the fresh air of the countryside was a perfect ____ after a long and very busy week at the office today.