Drink vs Beverage
Drink and Beverage are two words that are often confused due to the appearing similarity in their meanings. Strictly speaking, there is difference between their meanings and application. The word ‘drink’ is generally used in the sense of ‘soft drink’ or ‘cool drink’. On the other hand, the word ‘beverage’ is used in the sense of ‘brew’ or ‘hot drink’. This is the main difference between the two words.
Sometimes the word ‘drink’ is used to indicate wine or any other type of liquor. On the other hand, the word ‘beverage’ does not indicate any such type of liquor or wine. This is also an important difference between the two words.
Tea and Coffee are two popular beverages used by majority of the people of the world. A beverage is usually drunk on a daily basis. On the other hand, a drink is drunk only on special occasions or during other times, but it is not consumed on a daily basis. For example, wine is not consumed on a daily basis. On the other hand, it is consumed on special occasions.
Sometimes the word ‘beverage’ is used in the sense of ‘cocktail’ too. On the other hand, the word ‘drink’ is not used generally in the sense of ‘beverage’. Any cool drink can be called a drink for that matter. It is interesting to note that the word ‘drink’ is used as a verb, and is used in the sense of ‘to gulp’. On the other hand, the word ‘beverage’ is not used as a verb. It is used only as a noun.
In the sentence ‘she drank a cup of coffee’, the word ‘drank’ is used as the past tense form of the verb ‘drink’ and it is used in the sense of ‘gulped’ and hence, the meaning of the sentence would be ‘she gulped a cup of coffee’.
I’m afraid I disagree with almost everything in this article. There is no difference in meaning between beverage and drink; beverage is rarely used in the UK apart from by American corporations. The British call all drinks “drinks” and find “beverage” somewhat pretentious.
Thanks for calling out the cultural difference. It’s funny saying “Brits find something pretentious”, when we have Downton Abbey
I agree with Stew, I have also been known to go to the pub for a few beverages when feeling particularly pretentious.
Enlightening explanation, Aron.
I agree that I would not ask my friends go to the pub for a beverage, but I agree there is a nuance between the two terms.
When for instance making an order form for various food and cafeteria articles online, particularly if the cafeteria in question does not serve alcohol, I find it natural and most correct to use the term “beverage” (as in “beverage industry” and so on).
But, as in so many cases and discussions – one choice does not necessarily exclude the other.
Cheers