Feeding: meaning, definitions and examples

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feeding

 

[ ˈfiːdɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal care

The action of giving food to a person or an animal.

Synonyms

diet, nourishment, nutrition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feeding

Refers to the act of providing food, typically used in contexts related to animals, babies, or specific care scenarios.

  • The farmer is responsible for feeding the livestock
  • New mothers often struggle with nighttime feedings
nourishment

Emphasizes the quality and benefits of the food consumed, focusing on the sustenance and nutrients provided, more formal and holistic.

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential nourishment for children
  • The community center offers programs to ensure proper nourishment for the elderly
diet

Indicates the types of food a person or an animal regularly consumes, often used in discussions about health, nutrition plans, or dietary restrictions.

  • She follows a vegetarian diet for health reasons
  • His doctor recommended a low-sodium diet
nutrition

Relates to the science or study of dietary needs and the value of foods in maintaining health, commonly used in educational or medical contexts.

  • Good nutrition is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • She studied nutrition in college to become a dietician

Examples of usage

  • He is responsible for the feeding of the horses in the barn.
  • The feeding of the stray cats is done by a group of volunteers.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

The process of supplying data or power to a machine or system.

Synonyms

input, provision, supplying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feeding

This term is generally used when referring to the act of giving food to animals or humans. It often relates to the process of providing nourishment to living beings.

  • The zookeeper was busy feeding the lions.
  • She is feeding her baby a bottle of milk.
supplying

Generally used in contexts where there is a need to furnish or provide goods, materials, or services. It can apply to both commercial and non-commercial settings.

  • The company is responsible for supplying materials to the construction site.
  • Supplying clean water to remote areas remains a challenge.
input

Mostly used in technological or informational contexts, referring to the act of entering data or information. It can also be used in a more general sense for any kind of contribution.

  • She entered the data via the keyboard input.
  • Your input on this project is highly valuable.
provision

A more formal word often used when talking about supplying necessities such as food, equipment, or services. It can also refer to arrangements made in advance for future needs.

  • The provision of medical supplies is crucial during a crisis.
  • We need to make provisions for the upcoming trip.

Examples of usage

  • The automatic feeding of paper into the printer ensures efficiency.
  • The feeding of information into the system needs to be accurate.
Context #3 | Noun

social

The act of providing someone with the emotional support or attention they need.

Synonyms

encouragement, nurturing, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feeding

Use when referring to the act of providing food.

  • The mother is feeding her baby
  • The zoo has a specific time for feeding the animals
support

Use when referring to providing assistance, especially financial or emotional help.

  • Without her family's support, she couldn't have pursued her dream
  • They offered their support during his difficult times
nurturing

Use when referring to the act of caring for and protecting someone or something while it is growing.

  • He has a nurturing nature that makes him a great teacher
  • Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their children's talents
encouragement

Use when referring to the act of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

  • Her words of encouragement helped me get through the tough exam
  • The coach's encouragement boosted the team's morale

Examples of usage

  • The feeding of love and care to a child is essential for their development.
  • She appreciated the feeding of encouragement from her friends during a difficult time.

Translations

Translations of the word "feeding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alimentação

🇮🇳 खिला

🇩🇪 Fütterung

🇮🇩 pemberian makan

🇺🇦 годування

🇵🇱 karmienie

🇯🇵 餌やり

🇫🇷 alimentation

🇪🇸 alimentación

🇹🇷 besleme

🇰🇷 먹이 주기

🇸🇦 إطعام

🇨🇿 krmení

🇸🇰 kŕmenie

🇨🇳 喂养

🇸🇮 hranjenje

🇮🇸 fóðrun

🇰🇿 тамақтандыру

🇬🇪 კვება

🇦🇿 qidalanma

🇲🇽 alimentación

Etymology

The word 'feeding' originated from the Old English word 'fedan', meaning 'to give food to'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the act of providing nourishment to living beings. Over time, the term has evolved to also encompass the idea of supplying data or support to various systems and individuals. The concept of feeding is deeply rooted in the basic need for sustenance and care, making it a fundamental aspect of human and animal life.

See also: feed, feedback, feeder.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,689, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.