Intoxicated vs. Inebriated — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Intoxicated and inebriated both describe conditions of being under the influence of substances, typically alcohol, with no substantial difference in meaning.
Difference Between Intoxicated and Inebriated
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Key Differences
Intoxicated is commonly used to describe a state where one's mental and physical capabilities are impaired by an excess of alcohol or drugs. On the other hand, inebriated is a synonym, also referring to being drunk or under the influence of alcohol.
The term intoxicated can apply broadly to effects caused by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Whereas inebriated is almost exclusively used to refer to alcohol impairment, rarely extending to other substances.
In legal and formal contexts, intoxicated often appears to describe impairment levels, particularly in relation to driving or operating machinery. Conversely, inebriated tends to appear more in casual or literary contexts, emphasizing the condition of being drunk.
While both terms imply a similar level of impairment, intoxicated might be used in a broader range of contexts, suggesting any form of impairment, including slight or severe. In contrast, inebriated often connotes a somewhat heavier degree of drunkenness.
Intoxicated may also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming emotion or experience, as in "intoxicated by love." In contrast, inebriated does not typically carry such metaphorical uses, sticking closer to its literal meaning of alcohol-related impairment.
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Comparison Chart
Substance Reference
Alcohol, drugs, other substances
Primarily alcohol
Usage Contexts
Broad, including legal contexts
More casual or literary
Degree of Impairment
Varies from slight to severe
Often implies heavier drunkenness
Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used metaphorically
Rarely used metaphorically
Typical Connotations
General impairment
Specifically related to alcohol
Compare with Definitions
Intoxicated
Affected by substances (especially alcohol) that impair cognitive and physical abilities.
He was clearly intoxicated after leaving the bar.
Inebriated
Drunk; specifically impaired by alcohol.
After several drinks, he was noticeably inebriated.
Intoxicated
Medically impaired due to toxic substances.
The patient was intoxicated by the accidental ingestion of medication.
Inebriated
Overcome with alcohol to the point of losing control.
Found inebriated in public, he was escorted home by friends.
Intoxicated
Excited or exhilarated beyond normal mental control.
She felt intoxicated by the sheer speed of the roller coaster.
Inebriated
Having one's faculties impaired by excess alcohol.
She was so inebriated that she couldn't remember her address.
Intoxicated
Overwhelmed by an emotion.
Intoxicated with joy, he proposed to her on the spot.
Inebriated
Caused to behave foolishly or unusually under alcohol's influence.
His inebriated antics were the highlight of the party.
Intoxicated
Driven to a state of dysfunction or altered consciousness.
The artist seemed intoxicated by his own creativity during the performance.
Inebriated
Excessively affected by alcoholic drinks.
His speech became slurred as he grew more inebriated.
Intoxicated
Physically or mentally impaired by a chemical substance, especially alcohol
Was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
An intoxicated guest at the party.
Inebriated
Intoxicated with alcohol; drunk
The inebriated partygoers were very loud.
Intoxicated
Stupefied by alcohol, drunk.
Inebriated
Behaving as though affected by alcohol including exhilaration, and a dumbed or stupefied manner.
Intoxicated
Stupefied by any chemical substance.
Inebriated
Simple past tense and past participle of inebriate
Intoxicated
Simple past tense and past participle of intoxicate
Inebriated
Under the influence of alcohol; intoxicated; drunk.
Intoxicated
Stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol);
A noisy crowd of intoxicated sailors
Helplessly inebriated
Inebriated
Stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol);
A noisy crowd of intoxicated sailors
Helplessly inebriated
Intoxicated
As if under the influence of alcohol;
Felt intoxicated by her success
Drunk with excitement
Common Curiosities
Can someone be intoxicated without consuming alcohol?
Yes, intoxication can result from substances other than alcohol, including drugs or intoxicating plants.
Can these terms be used in legal contexts?
"Intoxicated" is more commonly used in legal contexts, especially when discussing impairment levels relevant to laws.
Are there contexts where one term is preferred over the other?
"Intoxicated" is preferred in formal and legal contexts, while "inebriated" might appear more often in casual or literary language.
What is the difference between being intoxicated and inebriated?
Both terms describe being under the influence of alcohol, with "intoxicated" sometimes extending to other substances.
How does society view intoxication and inebriation?
Both states are generally viewed negatively, especially when they lead to irresponsible behavior or endanger others.
Can intoxication affect memory?
Yes, high levels of intoxication can affect short-term memory, leading to gaps or "blackouts."
What is a common symptom of both intoxicated and inebriated states?
Common symptoms include slurred speech, impaired coordination, and altered mental state.
Is one term more severe than the other?
Inebriated often connotes a slightly heavier degree of drunkenness, though both terms are generally similar.
Is it illegal to be intoxicated or inebriated in public?
Many jurisdictions have laws against being visibly intoxicated in public places, often referred to as "public intoxication" laws.
Is inebriated used metaphorically like intoxicated?
Inebriated is rarely used metaphorically and usually refers directly to alcohol-related impairment.
Can medical conditions mimic intoxication?
Yes, certain medical conditions like hypoglycemia or neurological disorders can mimic signs of intoxication.
What should be done if someone is found intoxicated or inebriated?
It's important to ensure their safety, prevent them from driving, and monitor them for severe symptoms that might require medical attention.
How long does it take for someone to sober up from being inebriated?
The time varies depending on factors like the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, and metabolic rate.
Is there a cultural difference in the usage of these terms?
Cultural differences might affect the prevalence of these terms, with some cultures using "intoxicated" more broadly than "inebriated."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
