Hale Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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hale

[heษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

health, vigor

Hale describes someone who is in good health and free from illness. It often refers to an elderly person who is robust and strong.

Synonyms

healthy, robust, strong, vigorous.

Examples of usage

  • Despite his age, he remains hale and hearty.
  • She leads a hale lifestyle, often exercising and eating healthily.
  • The hale old gentleman surprised everyone with his energy.
Context #2 | Verb

pull, drag

To hale means to draw or pull something with effort. It is often used in the context of dragging someone or something forcefully.

Synonyms

drag, pull, tow.

Examples of usage

  • They had to hale the boat to shore.
  • He was hailing in the heavy chest with great effort.
  • The officers had to hale the suspect into the police vehicle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Usage in Literature

  • The term has appeared in classic literature, often depicting characters with good health or resilience.
  • Shakespeare used the word in his plays to describe characters that embody strength and vitality.
  • In poetry, 'hale' is frequently used to conjure images of the natural world's vitality and the importance of health.

Cultural Significance

  • 'Hale' is often utilized in health and wellness movements to emphasize the importance of physical vitality.
  • Various cultures celebrate the elderly who remain 'hale' as role models of longevity and active living.
  • In natural health circles, being 'hale' is equated with balanced diet and lifestyle choices.

Psychology

  • People who feel 'hale' are often more optimistic and have a positive outlook on life, according to research.
  • The perception of being 'hale' can influence one's mental health and overall sense of well-being.
  • Positive affirmations surrounding health, emphasizing 'hale,' can boost motivation for a healthier lifestyle.

Modern Usage

  • Today, 'hale' is typically used in descriptions of health, often seen in phrases like 'hale and hearty.'
  • Some healthcare professionals use 'hale' to denote patients who are in excellent health despite their age.
  • In sports commentary, 'hale' describes athletes who maintain strength through rigorous training.

Origin of 'hale'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hale' comes from Old English 'hal,' which means whole or healthy.
  • In the 16th century, 'hale' was often used to describe people who were robust and full of life.
  • There's a connection to the word 'heal,' as both share roots related to health and wholeness.

The word 'hale' originated from the Old English 'hal', meaning 'whole, sound, and healthy'. The use of 'hale' in its current form dates back to the early 14th century when it was typically associated with health and well-being. Etymologically, it is related to the word 'heal', which has similar roots pointing towards wholeness and health. In Middle English, 'hale' referred to being healthy and has evolved over the centuries but retained its core meaning throughout. The dual usage of 'hale' as both an adjective for health and a verb for dragging comes from its development in the English language, reflecting its adaptability in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,051, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.