B2adjective2K

Organic

UK /["/ɔːˈɡænɪk/"]/US /["/ɔːrˈɡænɪk/"]/

Definition

produced or practised without using artificial chemicals

In simple words: Something that comes from nature, without chemicals.

Examples

  • **organic cheese/vegetables/wine**, etc.
  • an **organic farmer/gardener**
  • **organic farming/horticulture**
  • The farm went fully organic 20 years ago.
  • Improve the soil by adding **organic matter**.
  • **organic compounds**
  • organic disease
  • the view of society as an organic whole
  • the organic growth of overseas markets

Usage notes

Use 'organic' to describe food or products grown without synthetic chemicals. It's appropriate in health, environmental, and food contexts but might be less common in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'organic' like 'organ', something pure and natural.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • go
  • completely
  • fully
  • totally
  • buy organic

Synonyms

  • natural
  • pure
  • unprocessed
  • untreated

Antonyms

  • synthetic
  • artificial

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'biological' which has a different meaning.
  • Using 'organically' when 'organic' is needed.
  • Assuming all natural products are organic.