tonic
/ˈtɒnɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɑnɪk] /ˈtɑːnɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɑnɪk] /ˈtä-nik How to pronounce tonic (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈtɒn.ɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɑnɪk] /ˈtɑː.nɪk/ (ame, ipa)
tonic — noun
- tonicsingular
- tonicsplural
1. A bubbly beverage with a mildly bitter taste, commonly mixed with spirits like g
A bubbly beverage with a mildly bitter taste, commonly mixed with spirits like gin or vodka, or enjoyed on its own.
Shirin ordered a gin and tonic with a slice of lime at the bar.
common phrase: gin and tonic
The bartender filled the glass halfway with tonic before adding the vodka.
Lotte poured herself a tonic water over ice with a twist of lemon.
This brand of tonic has a strong quinine taste that goes well with citrus.
Chidi bought several bottles of tonic and some lemons for the party tonight.
- tonic water
the full name; more formal or specific
用法筆記
Usually refers to 'tonic water' in bar and supermarket contexts. When ordering, 'a tonic' by itself may be understood as a non-alcoholic drink, though paired with spirits it is more common.
常見錯誤
2. A liquid preparation that some people drink regularly to improve their general h
A liquid preparation that some people drink regularly to improve their general health and energy, rather than to cure a specific disease.
After her long illness, Mrs Okonkwo drank a spoonful of tonic every morning.
countable: a tonic; uncountable: a spoonful of tonic
Yuna bought a bottle of iron-rich tonic at the pharmacy to help with her tiredness.
collocation: iron-rich tonic
The nurse told Nikhil that tonic can be helpful during the winter months.
Some herbal tonics contain ginseng and other plant extracts believed to boost energy.
- elixir
more poetic; suggests a magical or perfect remedy
- restorative
more formal; emphasises returning strength after illness
- poison
something harmful rather than beneficial
用法筆記
Unlike a medicine for a specific condition, a tonic is taken for overall well-being. Commonly sold as liquid in small bottles.
常見錯誤
3. An event, activity, or change of scene that gives you renewed energy and a more
An event, activity, or change of scene that gives you renewed energy and a more positive state of mind.
A weekend by the beach was just the tonic Indra needed after months of work.
just the tonic — common fixed expression
The children's laughter proved a real tonic for their grandfather in hospital.
Walking through the old quarter was a real tonic for Tyler after a hard week.
Learning to play the piano was a wonderful tonic for João's anxiety.
- boost
less dramatic; simply an improvement rather than a complete refresh
- lift
informal; focuses on mood improvement
- pick-me-up
informal; can refer to a drink or a short break
- drain
something that uses up your energy
用法筆記
Almost always singular and used with the indefinite article or a determiner: 'a tonic', 'a real tonic', 'just the tonic'. Frequently modified by 'real', 'wonderful', 'perfect'.
4. The foundational tone that identifies the key used in a musical work and acts as
The foundational tone that identifies the key used in a musical work and acts as its harmonic centre.
In the key of C major, the tonic is the note C.
João practised moving from the tonic up to the fifth note on his guitar.
pattern: from the tonic to the [number] note
The music teacher explained that the tonic gives the whole piece a feeling of home.
Talia could hear the tonic clearly when the pianist played the opening chord.
- keynote
fully interchangeable; slightly less common
用法筆記
A technical music term. The tonic is the note that the rest of the piece feels anchored to — it often appears at the start and end of a composition. Often used with the definite article: 'the tonic'.
5. A liquid product applied to the hair or face to improve its condition, clean it
A liquid product applied to the hair or face to improve its condition, clean it gently, or restore a healthy appearance.
Ada applied a rose-scented facial tonic to her skin after washing her face.
collocation: facial tonic
The hairdresser recommended a scalp tonic to reduce Madison's dandruff.
collocation: scalp tonic
This alcohol-free facial tonic is gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
Iker used a small amount of hair tonic each morning to control frizz.
用法筆記
Similar to 'toner' for the face, but 'tonic' often suggests a more intensive treatment. For hair, 'hair tonic' is an older term for a grooming lotion applied to the scalp.
tonic — adjective
- tonicpositive
- more toniccomparative
- most tonicsuperlative
1. Describing the note that serves as the foundation of a musical key, or based upo
Describing the note that serves as the foundation of a musical key, or based upon that note.
The piece ends with a strong tonic chord that gives a sense of resolution.
collocation: tonic chord
Students practised identifying the tonic note in each of the twelve major keys.
Chidi's composition keeps returning to the tonic harmony before exploring new areas.
The music theory exam asked them to name the tonic key of each short passage.
- keynote
used as a noun rather than adjective
用法筆記
This adjective is almost always used as a technical term in music theory or instruction. The noun sense (sense 4) is far more common in everyday musical contexts.
2. Having a refreshing effect that restores energy or improves a person's state of
Having a refreshing effect that restores energy or improves a person's state of mind.
A cold shower on a hot day has a tonic effect on the whole body.
collocation: tonic effect
Shirin found the mountain air to be deeply tonic after weeks in the city.
A walk by the river had a tonic effect on Zuri after a long day.
Lotte believed that the herbal tea had a tonic quality that lifted her spirits.
- invigorating
stronger emphasis on physical energy
- restorative
more formal; suggests returning something to a healthy state
- refreshing
more common in everyday language; lighter effect
- draining
reducing energy rather than restoring it
用法筆記
Used before nouns like 'effect', 'quality', or 'properties'. Less common than the noun senses; often found in health, wellness, or descriptive writing.