potation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "potion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a magical drink or medicine with special properties. For example, "The wizard mixed a powerful potion to cure the princess of her illness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Artesian, World's Best Bar for two years in a row is serving a December potation in a device where you not only sip but inhale your drink, increasing the sensory experience.

Independent

This is the agreeable potation, extolled by the Londoners, as the finest water in the universe — As to the intoxicating potion, sold for wine, it is a vile, unpalatable, and pernicious sophistication, balderdashed with cyder, corn-spirit, and the juice of sloes.

The New York Times

New and strange potation invented and passed upon.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

208 pp. $21.99 "Let's Bring Back: The Cocktail Edition: A Compendium of Impish, Romantic Amusing and Occasionally Appalling Potations from Bygone Eras," by Lesley Blume.

The New York Times

Some of the Johns Hopkins brethren argue that Bill's potations must have dissolved the gummy coating of the pharyngeal plexus and so paralyzed his vocal cords; the rest laugh at this as nonsense savoring of quackery and lay the whole thing to an intercurrent laryngitis induced by insufficient bedclothes on very cold nights.

The New Yorker

At street level you have the Glass Bar, a popular destination for classic cocktails and more interpretive potations like the Fressini (Champagne and strawberry purée, 12.50 euros).

The New York Times - Travel

All together, wrote a besotted tippler in the 1800's, "one of the most delightful and insinuating potations that was ever invented".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potation" sparingly; its archaic tone can sound affected in modern contexts. Opt for simpler words like "drink" or "beverage" unless you aim for a deliberately old-fashioned style.

Common error

Avoid using "potation" too frequently in contemporary writing. Its formal and somewhat archaic nature can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "potation" is as a noun, referring to the act of drinking or the drink itself. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts describing specific drinks or the practice of drinking.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Potation" is a noun referring to a drink, particularly an alcoholic one, or the act of drinking. While grammatically correct, it is considered somewhat archaic and is rarely used in modern English. Ludwig's examples show that its use is primarily found in news and media contexts, often to evoke a sense of formality or history. Consider using more common alternatives like "drink" or "beverage" unless aiming for a specific old-fashioned effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drink

A simple and direct synonym for "potation".

beverage

A general term for any drink, suitable in most contexts.

libation

Implies a ceremonial or celebratory drinking, similar to the archaic feel of "potation".

draught

Refers to a single serving of a drink, particularly beer.

tipple

Suggests alcoholic beverages and light, frequent drinking.

potion

Often associated with magical or medicinal drinks.

concoction

Refers to a mixture of different ingredients in a drink, often experimental.

brew

Implies a drink that has been brewed, like beer or tea.

elixir

Suggests a medicinal or magical drink that restores or heals.

imbiber

The act of drinking.

FAQs

How can I use "potation" in a sentence?

"Potation" is a noun referring to a drink, especially an alcoholic one. Example: "The new and strange "potation" was invented and passed upon by the board of directors."

What's a good substitute for "potation"?

Depending on the context, you can use "beverage", "drink", or "libation" as alternatives to "potation".

Is "potation" a common word in modern English?

No, "potation" is not a commonly used word in modern English. It is considered somewhat archaic and formal. Ludwig's examples show that it's most likely to appear in literary contexts or when trying to evoke a historical feel.

What is the difference between "potation" and "potion"?

"Potation" refers to any drink, especially alcoholic. A "potion" typically refers to a drink with magical or medicinal properties.