What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
potion
Example
The witch brewed a potion to cure the prince's illness. [potion: noun]
Example
She drank the love potion hoping it would make her crush fall in love with her. [potion: noun]
elixir
Example
The alchemist claimed to have discovered the elixir of life. [elixir: noun]
Example
The herbalist recommended an elixir made from rare herbs to cure the king's ailment. [elixir: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Potion is more commonly used in fantasy or fictional contexts, while elixir can be used in both fictional and real-world contexts. However, both words are less common in everyday language and are more likely to be encountered in literature or media.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between potion and elixir?
Both potion and elixir have a formal connotation due to their association with magic, alchemy, or science. However, elixir may be perceived as more formal due to its historical and scientific associations.
