Hygienic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hygienic

[หŒhสŒษชหˆdส’ษ›nษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

cleanliness

Characterized by or promoting good health and cleanliness.

Synonyms

clean, healthful, sanitary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hygienic

Typically used to describe practices, environments, or products that prevent illness or the spread of disease by maintaining cleanliness.

  • The surgical instruments were kept in a hygienic condition.
  • It's important to maintain a hygienic kitchen to avoid foodborne illnesses.
clean

Commonly employed to describe something free from dirt, dust, or stains. It can refer to both physical cleanliness and moral purity.

  • After the big party, it took hours to get the house clean.
  • He has a clean record with no criminal history.
sanitary

Often used to describe conditions that are clean and free from bacteria, usually in medical, food preparation, or public health settings. It has a clinical or technical connotation.

  • The public restrooms are kept in a sanitary condition.
  • Sanitary regulations must be followed in all food processing plants.
healthful

Generally used to describe something that promotes good health, like food, lifestyle choices, or environments.

  • Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is part of a healthful diet.
  • Regular exercise contributes to a healthful lifestyle.

Examples of usage

  • It is important to maintain hygienic conditions in hospitals.
  • She always follows hygienic practices in the kitchen.
Context #2 | Adjective

personal habits

Concerned with or promoting hygiene.

Synonyms

clean, healthful, sanitary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hygienic

Hygienic is often used to describe things that are very clean and promote good health, especially in medical or food preparation settings.

  • It's important to maintain a hygienic kitchen to prevent foodborne illnesses
  • Hospitals must be extremely hygienic to avoid infections
clean

Clean is a general term used to describe something free from dirt, marks, or stains. It applies to almost anything, from rooms to clothes.

  • After cooking, we need to clean the dishes
  • The children must clean their rooms before going out to play
sanitary

Sanitary is often used to describe conditions that are clean and free from bacteria or disease, especially in environments like bathrooms, hospitals, and kitchens.

  • Proper disposal of waste is essential for maintaining sanitary conditions
  • Sanitary wipes are used to disinfect surfaces
healthful

Healthful refers to something that promotes good health, such as food, habits, or environments. It is more about overall well-being rather than cleanliness.

  • Eating a healthful diet is crucial for maintaining good health
  • The park offers a healthful environment for exercise

Examples of usage

  • She is very hygienic and always washes her hands before eating.
  • He is known for his hygienic practices and cleanliness.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Public Health

  • Proper hygiene practices can prevent the spread of infectious diseases, significantly impacting community health.
  • The 19th-century hygiene movement, notably led by figures like Florence Nightingale, transformed healthcare with a focus on cleanliness.
  • Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective hygienic practices recommended by health organizations worldwide.

Science

  • Studies show that promoting hygienic practices in schools significantly decreases absenteeism due to illness.
  • Research reveals that maintaining a hygienic environment reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Certain bacteria are essential for gut health, but maintaining overall hygiene is necessary to keep harmful bacteria at bay.

Culture

  • In various cultures, cleanliness is often associated with spirituality and is seen as a path to purity.
  • Certain traditional rituals across the world emphasize hygiene practices, illustrating its cultural importance.
  • Food safety laws in many countries have hygiene at their core, reflecting cultural shifts towards better health standards.

Psychology

  • Maintaining cleanliness has been linked to positive mental health, reducing anxiety and improving mood.
  • Research suggests that people who perceive their environments as hygienic tend to have higher life satisfaction.
  • Hygienic surroundings can enhance productivity, making individuals feel more focused and motivated.

Origin of 'hygienic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'hygieinos', which means 'health', linked to Hygieia, the goddess of health.
  • It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, highlighting the growing awareness of public health.
  • The roots of the term reflect ancient practices aimed at maintaining good health through cleanliness.

The word 'hygienic' originated from the French word 'hygiรฉnique', which in turn comes from the Greek word 'hygiฤ“nฤ“', meaning 'health'. The concept of hygiene has been important throughout history, with a focus on cleanliness and health practices to prevent disease and promote well-being.


See also: hygiene.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,853, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.