What does alcoholically mean?
Alcoholically is an uncommon English adverb meaning in a way that involves, relates to, or is characteristic of alcohol. Its most common technical use appears in phrases such as “alcoholically dependent” and “alcoholically flavored,” where the adverb modifies another word rather than naming a person. It can also describe conduct characteristic of someone with an alcohol use disorder, particularly drunken or uncontrolled drinking, although modern medical writing usually uses the adjective dependent and avoids potentially stigmatizing labels. The word’s unusual sound obscures its history: alcohol ultimately comes from Arabic al-kūhl, originally a cosmetic powder, while the English adverb was formed with the suffix -ically. Though less usual than the adjective alcoholic or the noun alcohol, alcoholically is useful when a sentence needs to describe the manner, status, or chemical treatment associated with alcohol. Its rarity also calls for care: in casual English, saying that someone drank alcoholically can sound clinical or awkward, while a direct phrase such as drank heavily or was intoxicated is often clearer.
adverbIn a way involving or relating to alcohol. It can also describe conduct characteristic of heavy or uncontrolled drinking.
- In a way involving or relating to alcohol.
- In the manner of someone who drinks heavily or is intoxicated; drunkenly or excessively.
"The report noted that some patients were alcoholically dependent and required supervised withdrawal."
"The cordial is alcoholically flavored with a small amount of brandy."
"The patient was alcoholically intoxicated when the paramedics arrived."
Alcoholically has a cosmetic secret: its Arabic ancestor al-kūhl originally referred to kohl, the eye powder—not a drink.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does alcoholically come from?
Alcoholically was formed in English from alcohol with the adverbial combining form -ically. Alcohol reached English through medieval Latin from Arabic al-kūhl, originally a term for the cosmetic powder kohl. Related forms include French alcool, Spanish alcohol, and the chemical derivative alcoholate.
How alcoholically is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more typical of medical, legal, or technical writing than everyday conversation. In general prose, direct terms such as drunk or intoxicated are often more natural, while alcohol-dependent is usually the preferred clinical compound. British English typically has /ɒ/ where American English has /ɑː/.
Easily confused with alcoholically
Alcoholically is an adverb, while alcoholic is primarily an adjective and may also be a noun referring to a person with an alcohol use disorder.