high-energy

high-energy — adjective

1. describing tiny particles that move at nearly the speed of light and carry extre

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

describing tiny particles that move at nearly the speed of light and carry extremely high amounts of energy, studied in physics experiments

Example

Dr. Takeshi's team observed high-energy particles moving at near-light speed inside their particle accelerator.

attributive: high-energy particles

The collider produced high-energy protons that helped the team study the structure of matter.

collocation: high-energy protons

Common collocations
  • high-energy particle
  • high-energy electron
  • high-energy proton
  • high-energy collision
  • high-energy physics
  • high-energy astronomy
Synonyms
  • fast-moving

    less technical, focuses on speed rather than energy level

  • subatomic

    refers specifically to particles smaller than an atom, a narrower category

Antonyms
  • low-energy

    describes particles with lower kinetic energy in physics contexts

Grammar Patterns

high-energy + noun

Usage Note

Frequently used before nouns in technical writing about physics. Common in the compound fields high-energy physics, high-energy astronomy, and in phrases such as high-energy collision.

2. describes a person who remains very active for long periods without becoming tir

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a person who remains very active for long periods without becoming tired easily

Example

Christopher is a high-energy kid who plays soccer every afternoon.

attributive: high-energy kid

The start-up needs high-energy people to work late and launch its new app on time.

collocation: high-energy people

Common collocations
  • high-energy person
  • high-energy kid
  • high-energy people
  • high-energy team
  • high-energy performance
  • high-energy personality
Synonyms
  • energetic

    broader term that can describe both traits and temporary bursts

  • lively

    emphasises animated, spirited behaviour in social settings

  • active

    more general, describes someone who does a lot of physical activity

Antonyms
  • lazy

    describes someone who avoids effort or activity

  • inactive

    describes a lifestyle with little physical movement

Grammar Patterns

high-energy + noun

be + high-energy

Usage Note

Can be used before nouns (a high-energy person) or after linking verbs (she is high-energy). Describes a general character trait rather than a temporary state — avoid using for a single burst of activity.

Common Mistakes

He felt high-energy this morning.
He is a high-energy person.
high-energy describes a general trait, not a temporary feeling; use 'energetic' for temporary states.

3. containing ingredients that quickly give the body energy for sport, work, or oth

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

containing ingredients that quickly give the body energy for sport, work, or other physical activity

Example

Lakshmi always carries a high-energy snack bar when she goes hiking.

collocation: high-energy snack bar

The coach recommended high-energy drinks for the team during practice.

attributive: high-energy drinks

Common collocations
  • high-energy snack
  • high-energy bar
  • high-energy drink
  • high-energy breakfast
  • high-energy food
  • high-energy meal
Synonyms
  • energy-boosting

    more transparently describes the effect on the body

  • nutritious

    focuses on health value rather than usable energy

Antonyms
  • low-energy

    direct opposite, describes foods that provide little fuel

  • draining

    describes foods that make a person feel tired

Grammar Patterns

high-energy + noun

be + high-energy

Usage Note

Used before nouns (a high-energy snack) and after linking verbs (this bar is high-energy). Not the same as high-calorie — a food can be high-energy but low in sugar or fat.

Common Mistakes

This chocolate cake is high-energy.
This protein bar is high-energy.
high-energy foods are typically designed to fuel activity, not just any calorie-rich food.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four words describe people with vitality, but they emphasise different aspects. High-energy specifically suggests sustained stamina over time — a high-energy person can work or play for hours without tiring. Energetic is the broadest and most common term, covering both physical vigour and enthusiastic effort in any situation. Lively focuses on animated, spirited behaviour, especially in social settings — a lively person laughs, talks, and moves with visible enthusiasm. Active is the most general, simply describing someone who does a lot of physical activity or keeps a busy schedule. For example: 'Darius is so high-energy that he runs ten kilometres before breakfast' highlights stamina, whereas 'Darius is an active person who exercises most days' states a habit.

high-energy ↗energetic ↗lively ↗active ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • high-energy particle
  • high-energy electron
  • high-energy proton
  • high-energy person
  • high-energy kid
  • high-energy team
  • high-energy performance
  • high-energy snack
  • high-energy bar
  • high-energy drink
  • high-energy breakfast
  • high-energy food

Phrases

  • high-energy physics
  • high-energy astronomy

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

A compound adjective formed from 'high' (from Old English 'hēah', meaning great in degree or intensity) and 'energy' (from Greek 'energeia', meaning activity or operation, via Latin 'energia' and French 'énergie'). The compound first appeared in scientific writing in the early 1900s alongside the development of particle physics. By the 1950s it had broadened to describe people with great stamina, and by the 1970s it was used for foods and drinks that fuel the body.