What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drinkable
Example
The water in this bottle is drinkable. [drinkable: adjective]
Example
Is this juice drinkable? [drinkable: adjective]
potable
Example
The hotel provides potable water for its guests. [potable: adjective]
Example
The government has issued a warning about the safety of potable water in this area. [potable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drinkable is more commonly used than potable in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts. Potable is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts where the purity and safety of drinking water are emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drinkable and potable?
Potable is a more formal and technical term than drinkable, and is typically used in academic, scientific, or legal contexts. Drinkable is a more casual and informal term that can be used in everyday language.
