Bulk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Economics

• Buying in bulk often leads to cost savings, as larger quantities usually come with lower per-item prices.
• Bulk purchasing can reduce packaging waste, making it more environmentally friendly.
• Retailers often promote bulk items to encourage more sales, catering to families or individuals looking to save money.

Literature

• In many novels, bulk is a metaphor for the accumulation of knowledge, emotions, or experiences, representing depth.
• Bulk often symbolizes power or influence in storytelling, depicting characters who can manipulate their surroundings due to their size or resources.
• Classic literature sometimes uses physical bulk in characters to explore themes of identity, strength, and vulnerability.

Health and Fitness

• In bodybuilding, 'bulking' refers to a phase where one consumes more calories to gain muscle mass.
• Balanced bulking involves careful consideration of diet to ensure healthy weight gain rather than just fat accumulation.
• Nutritionists suggest that proper bulking requires a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats for effective muscle growth.

Psychology

• The concept of bulk can relate to cognitive load; overwhelming amounts of information can hinder understanding and retention.
• In decision-making, people might prefer bulk options for simplicity, reflecting a tendency for efficiency and ease in choices.
• The bulk of emotions, such as sadness or happiness, can impact an individual’s mental well-being, highlighting the psychological weight of feelings.

Main points about word origin

• The word originates from Middle English 'bulk,' which meant 'large body'.
• It can be traced further back to the Old Norse word 'bölk,' meaning 'a portion.'
• Usage of the term has evolved but has generally kept the meaning of 'size' or 'mass'.

The word 'bulk' originated from the Old Norse word 'bulki', which meant 'cargo' or 'ship's cargo'. It was later adopted into Middle English as 'bulke' and referred to a ship's hold or cargo. Over time, the term evolved to also describe large quantities or mass. Today, 'bulk' is commonly used to refer to large quantities of goods or the mass of something substantial.

See also: bulkier, bulky.

At position #2,814, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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