B2 verb Neutral

alkaline

/ˈælkəlaɪn/

Alkaline describes a chemical substance that has a pH level greater than 7, which is the opposite of being acidic. It is often used to describe soil, water, or solutions that can neutralize acids.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.

I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.

2

The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.

The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.

3

This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.

This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.

Word Family

Noun
alkalinity
Verb
alkalize
Adverb
alkalinely
Adjective
alkaline
Related
alkali
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Alkaline' and 'Acid' as two ends of a scale. 'Alkaline' starts with 'A' and 'L', just like 'A Liquid' that is 'Low' in acid.

Quick Quiz

Farmers must test their fields because some crops will not grow if the soil is too _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: alkaline

Examples

1

I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.

everyday

I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.

2

The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.

formal

The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.

3

This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.

informal

This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.

4

Certain plants thrive in alkaline soil conditions where the pH is above 7.5.

academic

Certain plants thrive in alkaline soil conditions where the pH is above 7.5.

5

The company is launching a new line of bottled alkaline water next month.

business

The company is launching a new line of bottled alkaline water next month.

Word Family

Noun
alkalinity
Verb
alkalize
Adverb
alkalinely
Adjective
alkaline
Related
alkali

Common Collocations

alkaline soil alkaline soil
alkaline solution alkaline solution
alkaline battery alkaline battery
alkaline diet alkaline diet
alkaline metals alkaline metals

Common Phrases

alkaline earth metals

alkaline earth metals

highly alkaline

highly alkaline

alkaline reserve

alkaline reserve

Often Confused With

alkaline vs alkali

Alkali is a noun referring to the substance itself, while alkaline is the adjective describing the substance.

alkaline vs basic

In chemistry, they are often synonyms, but alkaline specifically refers to a base that dissolves in water.

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Usage Notes

The term is most frequently used in scientific contexts like chemistry or gardening, but it has become popular in health circles regarding diet and water.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the word 'alkaline' as a noun (e.g., 'the alkaline of the water') instead of the correct noun form 'alkalinity'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Alkaline' and 'Acid' as two ends of a scale. 'Alkaline' starts with 'A' and 'L', just like 'A Liquid' that is 'Low' in acid.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic word 'al-qaly', which means 'the ashes' (specifically ashes of the saltwort plant used to make soda ash).

Grammar Patterns

Used as an adjective before a noun. Used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'is' or 'becomes'. Usually non-gradable in technical chemistry, but often used with intensifiers like 'very' in general English.
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Cultural Context

The 'alkaline diet' is a significant lifestyle trend in Western wellness culture, based on the idea that certain foods affect the body's pH balance.

Quick Quiz

Farmers must test their fields because some crops will not grow if the soil is too _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: alkaline

Related Words

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C1

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macrovivcide

C1

A chemical agent or substance specifically formulated to kill large living organisms, such as invasive macro-fauna or predatory pests. It is typically employed in large-scale ecological management or high-level biological containment to eliminate organisms visible to the naked eye.

interphotoly

C1

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overclamdom

C1

A state or condition of excessive silence, secretiveness, or refusal to communicate, often resulting in a breakdown of transparency or social connection. It describes an overwhelming degree of 'clamming up' or being emotionally and verbally unreachable.

postsectile

C1

Describes a structure or part that is located behind or posterior to a specific section, cut, or division. It is primarily used in technical contexts such as anatomy, biology, or geometry to denote spatial orientation relative to a cross-section.

univerbible

C1

Describes a concept, truth, or set of principles that is considered universally applicable and as authoritative as a sacred text. It suggests a singular, definitive guide that transcends specific cultural or disciplinary boundaries.

preprivsion

C1

To proactively allocate or configure resources, permissions, or digital infrastructure in advance of their actual requirement. This verb is primarily used in technical and organizational contexts to describe the preparation of a system for immediate use upon a specific trigger.

posttribate

C1

Describes a theological or theoretical position held by those who believe certain significant events occur after a period of intense trial or suffering. It is most commonly used in eschatology to refer to the belief that the Rapture occurs after the Great Tribulation.

oversolure

C1

A noun referring to the implementation of an unnecessarily complex, redundant, or excessive solution to a relatively simple problem. It describes a state of over-engineering where the resources or complexity involved far exceed the actual requirements of the situation.

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