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Drinkable vs. Drinking — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
Drinkable refers to the suitability of a liquid for consumption, whereas drinking pertains to the act of ingesting liquids.
Drinkable vs. Drinking — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Drinkable and Drinking

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Key Differences

Drinkable is an adjective describing the quality of water or any liquid that makes it safe or pleasant to consume. This term often pertains to the safety, taste, and potability of water or beverages, highlighting their suitability for human consumption. On the other hand, drinking is the act of consuming liquids. It is a verb that focuses on the process of taking liquid into the mouth and swallowing it, regardless of the liquid's quality or safety.
While drinkable emphasizes the safety and quality of liquids, making them suitable for consumption, drinking refers to the broader action of consuming liquids through swallowing. The concept of drinkability is crucial in contexts such as water treatment, beverage production, and health regulations, where the focus is on ensuring that liquids are safe and enjoyable to drink. Conversely, drinking is a universal behavior that applies to the consumption of any liquid, including water, beverages, and other potable liquids.
Drinkable can be used to describe water, beverages, or any liquid that meets certain standards of quality and safety, making it fit for consumption. The term implies that the liquid has been tested or is known to be free from harmful substances and is pleasant enough in taste to be consumed. Drinking, however, is a necessary human activity involving the ingestion of liquids to maintain hydration, satisfy thirst, or for enjoyment and is not limited by the quality or safety of the liquid.
The distinction between drinkable and drinking becomes apparent in discussions about water safety, environmental issues, and beverage consumption. For instance, when evaluating a water source, the concern is whether it is drinkable—safe and clean for human consumption. Meanwhile, discussions about drinking habits, hydration, or cultural practices involving beverages focus on the act of drinking itself, regardless of the drinkability of the liquids involved.
Drinkable qualities often influence drinking choices and behaviors. The assessment of whether a liquid is drinkable can determine if, how, and by whom it will be consumed. In contrast, the act of drinking is influenced by a variety of factors, including personal preference, cultural practices, health considerations, and the availability of drinkable liquids.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Suitability of a liquid for consumption
The act of ingesting liquids

Focus

Quality and safety of liquids
Process of consuming liquids

Context

Water treatment, beverage production, health regulations
Hydration, satisfaction of thirst, cultural practices

Key Characteristics

Safe, pleasant to taste
Involves swallowing, universal behavior

Usage Examples

Describes water, beverages, or any potable liquid
Applies to the consumption of any liquid, including beverages

Compare with Definitions

Drinkable

Safe for consumption.
The tap water in this city is not drinkable without filtration.

Drinking

Ingesting beverages.
Drinking coffee late in the evening affects my sleep.

Drinkable

Fit to be drunk.
After boiling, the water became drinkable.

Drinking

Engaging in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Responsible drinking is important for health and safety.

Drinkable

Suitable for drinking.
The newly discovered spring water is refreshingly drinkable.

Drinking

Act of consuming liquids.
Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is recommended.

Drinkable

Pleasant enough to drink.
This homemade juice is very drinkable despite its unusual color.

Drinking

Taking in liquids by sipping or gulping.
He was drinking water to stay hydrated during the hike.

Drinkable

Meeting standards for consumption.
The bottled water is certified as drinkable.

Drinking

Swallowing liquid substances.
She prefers drinking tea to coffee in the mornings.

Drinkable

Suitable or fit for drinking; potable
Drinkable water.

Drinking

Drinking is the act of ingesting water or other liquids into the body through the mouth, proboscis, or elsewhere. Humans drink by swallowing, completed by peristalsis in the esophagus.

Drinkable

Easy and pleasing to drink
Drinkable wine.

Drinking

To take into the mouth and swallow (a liquid).

Drinkable

A beverage.

Drinking

To swallow the liquid contents of (a vessel)
Drank a cup of tea.

Drinkable

Able to be drunk (as liquid).

Drinking

To take in or soak up; absorb
Drank the fresh air.
Spongy earth that drank up the rain.

Drinkable

(of water) Safe to drink.

Drinking

To take in eagerly through the senses or intellect
Drank in the beauty of the day.

Drinkable

(of an alcoholic beverage, especially wine) Of good or satisfactory quality.

Drinking

To give or make (a toast).

Drinkable

That which can be drunk.

Drinking

To toast (a person or an occasion, for example)
We'll drink your health.

Drinkable

Capable of being drunk; suitable for drink; potable. Macaulay. Also used substantively, esp. in the plural.

Drinking

To bring to a specific state by drinking alcoholic beverages
Drank our sorrows away.

Drinkable

Any liquid suitable for drinking;
May I take your beverage order?

Drinking

To swallow liquid
Drank noisily.
Drink from a goblet.

Drinkable

Fit to drink

Drinking

To drink alcoholic beverages
They only drink socially.

Drinking

To salute a person or an occasion with a toast
We will drink to your continued success.

Drinking

A liquid that is fit for drinking; a beverage.

Drinking

An alcoholic beverage, such as a cocktail or beer.

Drinking

Chiefly Southern US See soft drink. tonic

Drinking

An amount of liquid swallowed
Took a long drink from the fountain.

Drinking

Liquid for drinking
The host provided food and drink.

Drinking

Excessive or habitual indulgence in alcoholic liquor.

Drinking

(Slang) A body of water; the sea
The hatch cover slid off the boat and into the drink.

Drinking

Present participle of drink

Drinking

An act or session by which drink is consumed, especially alcoholic beverages.
Some say drinking is a vice.

Drinking

The act of one who drinks; the act of imbibing.

Drinking

The practice of partaking to excess of intoxicating liquors.

Drinking

An entertainment with liquors; a carousal.

Drinking

The act of consuming liquids

Drinking

The act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess;
Drink was his downfall

Common Curiosities

Is drinking always related to water or beverages?

While drinking often involves water or beverages, it refers to the act of consuming any liquid, including soups or medicinal liquids.

Can drinkable liquids include alcohol?

Yes, drinkable liquids can include alcohol, as long as they are fit for human consumption, though moderation and safety considerations apply.

What is the significance of drinking in human culture?

Drinking has significant cultural, social, and health implications, influencing social practices, traditions, and personal hydration habits.

How do environmental factors affect the drinkability of water?

Environmental factors like pollution, contamination, and natural disasters can affect water's drinkability by introducing harmful substances.

Are there regulations governing the drinkability of water?

Yes, there are regulations at both national and international levels that set standards for water quality to ensure its drinkability.

What determines if water is drinkable?

Water's drinkability is determined by its safety, absence of harmful substances, and pleasant taste, making it suitable for human consumption.

Can the drinkability of a liquid change over time?

Yes, the drinkability of a liquid can change due to factors like contamination, spoilage, or changes in water quality, affecting its safety and taste.

Is there a difference between drinking for hydration and enjoyment?

Yes, drinking for hydration focuses on maintaining bodily functions, while drinking for enjoyment involves personal preferences and social aspects.

How does the quality of drinkable liquids affect drinking habits?

The quality of drinkable liquids directly affects drinking habits, as people tend to prefer liquids that are safe, pleasant, and meet their health or dietary needs.

Is the act of drinking different for people with dietary restrictions?

Yes, people with dietary restrictions may have specific needs or avoidances that influence their drinking choices, focusing on certain drinkable liquids over others.

Why is it important to know if water is drinkable?

Knowing if water is drinkable is crucial for health, as consuming contaminated or unsafe water can lead to illness or health complications.

Can all liquids be considered drinkable?

Not all liquids are considered drinkable; only those that are safe and suitable for human consumption meet this criterion.

Can technological advancements improve water's drinkability?

Technological advancements in water treatment and purification can significantly improve the drinkability of water, making it safer and more pleasant to consume.

How do cultural practices impact drinking and the choice of drinkable liquids?

Cultural practices can greatly influence drinking habits and the choice of drinkable liquids, with certain beverages playing key roles in traditions and social events.

How do personal preferences influence drinking choices?

Personal preferences, including taste, dietary needs, and health considerations, significantly influence individuals' choices of drinkable liquids.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

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