Potion vs. Elixir — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
A potion is generally a liquid substance believed to have magical or medicinal properties. An elixir is a specific type of potion often associated with immortality or a panacea for all ailments.
Difference Between Potion and Elixir
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Key Differences
A potion is typically a liquid concoction intended to cause specific effects when consumed or applied. These effects can range from healing to bewitchment. Elixirs, on the other hand, are specialized potions with more powerful, often universal effects, such as curing all diseases or granting immortality.
Potions are commonly found in folklore, mythology, and even in real-life herbal medicine. They can have a variety of effects, and their ingredients can include anything from simple herbs to exotic components. Elixirs are considered to be rarer, and their formulation often involves intricate processes and rare ingredients.
In literature and fantasy, potions often serve as functional tools to propel the plot forward, usually with more situational or temporary effects. Elixirs, however, are often quest objectives or end-game items due to their extraordinary properties.
In contemporary usage, "potion" and "elixir" can also refer to various types of medicines or tonics. While potions may treat specific symptoms or ailments, elixirs are often marketed as comprehensive solutions, sometimes even with a hint of the mystical, promising to improve general well-being.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Specific effects
Universal effects
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Common Usage
Folklore, medicine
Folklore, alchemy
Rarity
Common
Rare
Duration of Effects
Usually temporary
Often permanent
Cultural Connotations
Magical, medicinal
Immortality, panacea
Compare with Definitions
Potion
A liquid substance believed to have magical effects.
She brewed a love potion to win his heart.
Elixir
A liquid with magical or transformative properties.
The elixir changed the frog back into a prince.
Potion
A medicinal or herbal concoction.
The healer prescribed a potion for my illness.
Elixir
A substance believed to enlighten the mind.
The guru claimed the elixir would bring enlightenment.
Potion
A fictional or mystical brew with unique properties.
The wizard's potion turned him invisible.
Elixir
A potion granting immortality or eternal youth.
The alchemist searched for the elixir of life.
Potion
A drink with harmful or poisonous effects.
The villain poisoned the king with a deadly potion.
Elixir
A cure-all medicine.
The herbal elixir promised to cure all ailments.
Potion
A potion (from Latin potio "drink") is a liquid "that contains medicine, poison, or something that is supposed to have magic powers.” It derives from the latin word potus which referred to a drink or drinking. The term philtre is also used, often specifically for a love potion, a potion that is supposed to create feelings of love or attraction in the one who drinks it.Throughout history there have been several types of potions for a range of purposes.
Elixir
An elixir is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness. When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least one active ingredient designed to be taken orally.
Potion
A liquid or liquid mixture, especially one that is medicinal, poisonous, or magical.
Elixir
A magical or medicinal potion
An elixir guaranteed to induce love
Potion
A small portion or dose of a liquid which is medicinal, poisonous, or magical.
He hoped to win the princess's heart by mixing the love potion the witch gave him into her drink.
Elixir
A particular type of medicinal solution
A cough elixir
Potion
To drug (someone).
Elixir
A sweetened aromatic solution of alcohol and water, serving as a vehicle for medicine.
Potion
A draught; a dose; usually, a draught or dose of a liquid medicine.
Elixir
See philosophers' stone.
Potion
To drug.
Elixir
A substance believed to maintain life indefinitely. Also called elixir of life.
Potion
A medicinal or magical or poisonous beverage
Elixir
A substance or medicine believed to have the power to cure all ills.
Potion
A liquid formula used for a specific purpose.
She used a cleaning potion to remove the stain.
Elixir
An underlying principle.
Elixir
(alchemy) A liquid which converts lead to gold.
Elixir
(alchemy) A substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and give eternal life.
Elixir
(by extension) The alleged cure for all ailments; cure-all, panacea.
Elixir
(pharmacy) A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste.
Elixir
A tincture with more than one base; a compound tincture or medicine, composed of various substances, held in solution by alcohol in some form.
Elixir
An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely; as, elixir vitæ, or the elixir of life.
Elixir
The refined spirit; the quintessence.
The . . . elixir of worldly delights.
Elixir
Any cordial or substance which invigorates.
The grand elixir, to support the spirits of human nature.
Elixir
A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste
Elixir
A substance believed to cure all ills
Elixir
A highly valuable liquid in alchemy or lore.
The adventurers sought the lost elixir of wisdom.
Common Curiosities
What is a Potion?
A potion is a liquid concoction intended to have specific magical or medicinal effects.
Is a Potion always magical?
No, potions can also be medicinal or even poisonous.
Are Potions common in folklore?
Yes, potions often appear in folklore and mythology.
Is an Elixir always about immortality?
No, elixirs can have other universal effects like curing all diseases.
Are Elixirs rare?
Elixirs are generally considered rarer and more powerful than potions.
Is a Potion a type of Elixir?
An elixir can be considered a specialized type of potion with more potent effects.
Can a Potion be harmful?
Yes, some potions can be harmful or even poisonous.
Can a Potion exist in real life?
Yes, the term "potion" can also refer to real medicinal liquids.
What is an Elixir?
An elixir is a special type of potion often believed to have universal effects like immortality.
Are Potions always liquid?
Potions are typically liquid, but in fantasy, they can sometimes take other forms.
Is an Elixir always beneficial?
Typically, elixirs are portrayed as beneficial, often with universal effects.
Is Elixir a term used in real medicine?
The term "elixir" is sometimes used for certain medicinal syrups or tonics.
Do Potions have temporary effects?
Potions often have temporary or situational effects.
Do Elixirs have permanent effects?
Elixirs often have more lasting or even permanent effects.
Are Elixirs always liquid?
Elixirs are usually liquid but can also be conceptualized differently in various mythologies.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
