en ‧ er ‧ gy S2 W1 AC /ˈenədʒi $ -ər-/ BrE AmE noun ( plural energies )
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ energetic , ↑ energizing ; verb : ↑ energize ; noun : ↑ energy ; adverb : ↑ energetically ]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Late Latin ; Origin: energia , from Greek energeia 'activity' , from ergon 'work' ]
1 . [uncountable] power that is used to provide heat, operate machines etc:
The water is heated using energy from the sun.
The problem with nuclear energy is dealing with the waste.
2 . [uncountable] the physical and mental strength that makes you able to do things:
Where do those kids get their energy from?
Are you suffering from a lack of energy?
The city is full of creative energy.
I really put a lot of energy into what I do.
He wants to conserve his energy for next week's game (=use as little energy as possible now, so that you have more energy to use later) .
3 . [uncountable] a special power that some people believe exists in their bodies and in some buildings:
There was a lot of energy in the room this morning – did you feel it?
4 . [uncountable] technical in physics, the ability that something has to work or move:
kinetic energy
5 . sb’s energies the effort and interest that you use to do things
apply/devote/channel your energies into/to something
She’s devoting all her energies to the wedding plans.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ verbs
▪ generate/produce energy
a power plant that generates energy from household waste
▪ supply/provide energy
The wind farm will provide enough energy for 100,000 homes.
▪ store energy
Batteries store the energy from the solar panels.
▪ use energy
Washing machines use a lot of energy.
▪ conserve energy (=not waste any energy)
An efficient boiler will conserve energy and save you money.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + energy
▪ solar energy
The water pump is powered by solar energy.
▪ nuclear/atomic energy
a report on the cost of nuclear energy
▪ wind/wave energy
The windmill uses wind energy to crush grain and pump water.
▪ renewable energy (=energy such as solar or wind energy that can be replaced naturally)
Switching to sources of renewable energy will reduce carbon emissions.
▪ alternative energy (=energy from sources other than oil, coal, or nuclear energy)
It is the first form of public transport to be powered by alternative energy.
▪ clean energy (=which does not cause pollution)
Iceland possesses sufficient quantities of clean energy sources that it does not need to rely on fossil fuels.
■ energy + NOUN
▪ energy use
30% of all our energy use is in the home.
▪ energy efficiency
This guide provides advice on ways of improving energy efficiency.
▪ energy consumption
We all need to reduce our energy consumption.
▪ energy needs/requirements
65% of the country’s energy needs are met by imported oil.
▪ energy production
hydro-electricity and other methods of energy production
▪ energy resources
The world’s energy resources are being used up at an alarming rate.
▪ an energy shortage
California experienced energy shortages that in turn led to power outages.
▪ an energy crisis
Europe could soon face an energy crisis.
▪ energy supplies
We must secure the country’s future energy supplies.
▪ an energy company
a state-owned energy company
▪ the energy industry
regulation of the energy industry
▪ an energy bill
We are looking at ways of cutting our energy bill.
▪ energy prices
Energy prices are likely to rise significantly in the near future.
■ phrases
▪ a source/form of energy
Coal is more expensive than other sources of energy.
▪ the demand for energy
The demand for energy in developing countries will continue to grow.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ have energy
He always has plenty of energy!
▪ put some energy into something
Try to put more energy into your game.
▪ channel your energy into something ( also devote your energy to something ) (=use most of your energy doing something)
She should channel more of her energy into her studies.
▪ conserve energy (=use as little energy as possible)
The lions spend much of the day sleeping, conserving energy for the hunt.
▪ run out of energy (=have no more energy)
The players seemed to be running out of energy.
▪ lack energy (=have no energy)
She lacked the energy to continue.
▪ something takes/requires energy
Climbing with a full backpack takes a lot of energy.
▪ your energy flags (=it becomes less and you become tired)
After eight laps of the running track, my energy began to flag.
■ phrases
▪ be full of energy/be bursting with energy (=have a lot of energy)
I felt happy and full of energy.
|
The stage was bursting with energy.
▪ a lack of energy
Common symptoms include a loss of appetite and a lack of energy.
▪ a burst of energy (=a short sudden increase in energy)
He tried to summon up one final burst of energy, but his legs wouldn’t respond.
■ adjectives
▪ boundless energy (=that seems to have no limit)
The children ran up and down the beach with boundless energy.
▪ youthful energy (=energy that young people naturally have)
She is very talented and full of youthful energy.
▪ creative energy (=that makes you want to write, draw, paint etc)
We have seen an explosion of creative energy from the band this year.
▪ nervous energy (=energy that comes from being nervous or excited)
She seems to thrive on nervous energy.
■ energy + NOUN
▪ energy levels (=the amount of energy someone has)
Regular exercise increases your energy levels.