Elixir
What it means
Something believed to restore health, vitality, or happiness.
Reach for it when using a vivid metaphor for something experienced as wonderfully restorative
After the freezing walk, the hot broth felt like an elixir.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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playful
Fits when a quick lift in mood or energy is meant
Careful The idiom is casual and usually describes a brief effect.
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everyday
Fits when something refreshes spirits or health
Careful Tonic suggests a milder restorative effect and can mean a specific drink.
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professional
Fits when correcting a particular problem is the main function
Careful Remedy implies treatment of a fault and lacks elixir's magical vitality.
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formal
Fits when a supposed answer claims to solve every difficulty
Careful Panacea is often skeptical and criticizes an unrealistically universal cure.
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formal
Fits when recovery of strength is supported rather than magical
Careful Restorative is sober and does not convey precious or legendary potency.
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literary
nectar
Fits when delicious drink is praised as divine
Careful Nectar centers taste and can sound overwrought for ordinary refreshment.
Opposites 3
- poison
- depressant
- bane
Common phrases 3
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elixir of life
Legends promised that the elixir of life could defeat age itself.
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healing elixir
The advertisement called the tea a healing elixir without medical evidence.
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feel like an elixir
Cool water can feel like an elixir after a steep summer climb.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Figurative praise must not be used to imply an unverified medical benefit.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vininn126, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated