Bulk: meaning, definitions and examples

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bulk

 

[bʌlk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

purchase

Goods shipped or delivered in large quantities and typically stored in a warehouse or store.

Synonyms

bundle, mass, quantity.

Examples of usage

  • The supermarket ordered a bulk of rice for the upcoming sale.
  • We need to buy in bulk to save money.
Context #2 | Noun

body

The mass or magnitude of something large or substantial.

Synonyms

dimension, size, volume.

Examples of usage

  • He had bulked up his muscles by working out at the gym.
  • The bulk of the iceberg was hidden beneath the water.
Context #3 | Verb

increase

To make something larger or fuller by adding mass or volume.

Synonyms

amplify, enlarge, expand.

Examples of usage

  • She bulked out her resume to make it more impressive.
  • The company bulked up its workforce in preparation for the busy season.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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'.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "bulk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 volume

🇮🇳 थोक

🇩🇪 Masse

🇮🇩 jumlah besar

🇺🇦 об'єм

🇵🇱 objętość

🇯🇵 大量

🇫🇷 volume

🇪🇸 volumen

🇹🇷 hacim

🇰🇷 부피

🇸🇦 حجم

🇨🇿 objem

🇸🇰 objem

🇨🇳 体积

🇸🇮 prostornina

🇮🇸 rúmmál

🇰🇿 көлем

🇬🇪 მოცულობა

🇦🇿 həcm

🇲🇽 volumen

Word Frequency Rank

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.