Potion vs. Draught — What's the Difference?

Concoctions imbued with mystical properties.

Brewed for healing or restorative purposes.

Used in various magical practices and rituals.

Provides aid or enhancement in a controlled manner.

Capable of altering reality or physical form.

Specifically meant to be swallowed.

Associated with the mystical art of potion-making.

Often made with natural, medicinal herbs.

Integral to spells and magical ceremonies.

Rooted in historical herbalism practices.

A potion (from Latin potio "drink") is a liquid "that contains medicine, poison, or something that is supposed to have magic powers.” It derives from the latin word potus which referred to a drink or drinking. The term philtre is also used, often specifically for a love potion, a potion that is supposed to create feelings of love or attraction in the one who drinks it.Throughout history there have been several types of potions for a range of purposes.

A current of cool air in a room or other confined space

A liquid or liquid mixture, especially one that is medicinal, poisonous, or magical.

A single act of drinking or inhaling

A small portion or dose of a liquid which is medicinal, poisonous, or magical.

The depth of water needed to float a ship

To drug (someone).

The drawing in of a fishing net.

A draught; a dose; usually, a draught or dose of a liquid medicine.

Denoting beer or cider served from a barrel or tank rather than from a bottle or can

To drug.

Denoting an animal used for pulling heavy loads

A medicinal or magical or poisonous beverage

Variant of draft.

In its various senses.

(British) A checker: a game piece used in the game of draughts.

(Australia) Ale: a type of beer brewed using top-fermenting yeast.

A mild vesicatory.

(obsolete) An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory.

Any picture or drawing.

A sudden attack upon an enemy.

(UK) draft

The act of drawing or pulling

The drawing of a bowstring.

That which is drawn

Act of drawing a net; a sweeping the water for fish.

The force drawn; a detachment; - in this sense usually written draft.

That which draws

The act of drawing liquor into the mouth and throat; the act of drinking.

A sketch, outline, or representation, whether written, designed, or drawn; a delineation.

Capacity of being drawn; force necessary to draw; traction.

A sudden attack or drawing upon an enemy.

An order for the payment of money; - in this sense almost always written draft.

The depth of water necessary to float a ship, or the depth a ship sinks in water, especially when laden; as, a ship of twelve feet draught.

An allowance on weighable goods. [Eng.] See Draft, 4.

A move, as at chess or checkers.

The bevel given to the pattern for a casting, in order that it may be drawn from the sand without injury to the mold.

Used for drawing vehicles, loads, etc.; as, a draught beast; draught hooks.

Relating to, or characterized by, a draft, or current of air.

Used in making drawings; as, draught compasses.

Drawn directly from the barrel, or other receptacle, in distinction from bottled; on draught; - said of ale, cider, and the like.

To draw out; to call forth. See Draft.

To diminish or exhaust by drawing.

To draw in outline; to make a draught, sketch, or plan of, as in architectural and mechanical drawing.

A serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg;

A large and hurried swallow;

A current of air (usually coming into a room or vehicle)

The depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)

A dose of liquid medicine;

The act of moving a load by drawing or pulling

Make a blueprint of

A potion is a liquid concoction with magical or medicinal properties, used in various contexts for healing, transformation, or enchantment.

A draught is a specific type of potion designed to be drunk, often with medicinal or restorative effects, while potions can have a broader range of applications.

While magical potions as depicted in fiction don't exist, the concept is rooted in historical practices of herbalism and alchemy where concoctions were made for healing purposes.

Historically, potions and draughts reflect humanity's desire to harness natural and mystical forces for healing, protection, and transformation.

Potions are typically made by combining various ingredients in a precise manner, often involving magical incantations or processes known to alchemists or magical practitioners.

In fictional narratives, the creation of potions and draughts is usually the domain of skilled individuals like witches, wizards, or healers with knowledge of magical and medicinal properties.

Depending on their composition and intended use, potions can be dangerous if misused or if they contain harmful ingredients.

While draughts are commonly medicinal, focusing on healing or enhancement, they can also possess magical properties in fictional contexts.

In literature, they often serve as plot devices, enabling characters to undergo transformations, overcome obstacles, or gain special abilities.

In fiction, draughts can also be used for magical enhancements or as part of magical rituals, extending beyond strictly medicinal uses.

In fictional narratives, they can induce a wide range of psychological effects, from altering perceptions to influencing emotions.

Modern interpretations often emphasize the fantastical and magical aspects, while historical perspectives might focus more on the medicinal and alchemical properties.

Ethical considerations often revolve around consent, the misuse of magical powers, and the potential harm caused by their effects.

Different cultures have their own versions of potions and draughts, influenced by local folklore, herbalism practices, and historical traditions of alchemy and medicine.

Yes, a potion can be considered a draught if it is specifically intended to be drunk to achieve its effects.