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Nourish: meaning, definitions and examples

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nourish

 

[ ˈnʌrɪʃ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

food

To provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.

Synonyms

feed, nurture, strengthen, support, sustain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nourish

Used when talking about providing the necessary substances for growth and health, often in a metaphorical or emotional sense.

  • Good books can nourish a child's imagination.
  • It's important to nourish your body with healthy food.
feed

Used in the context of giving food to a person or animal, typically in a straightforward, physical sense.

  • Don't forget to feed the dog.
  • We need to feed the hungry children.
sustain

Used when talking about maintaining something at a certain level or providing what is needed for it to continue, often over a long period.

  • This diet is designed to sustain long-term energy levels.
  • They need more funds to sustain their research project.
nurture

Used when talking about caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something, especially in an emotional or educational sense.

  • Parents should nurture their children's talents.
  • We aim to nurture a love for learning in our students.
support

Used when offering assistance or backing to someone or something, either physically, emotionally, or financially.

  • We must support each other in times of need.
  • The government offers programs to support small businesses.
strengthen

Used when discussing making something stronger or more powerful, often referring to muscles, relationships, or structures.

  • Regular exercise can strengthen your muscles.
  • We need to strengthen our community bonds.

Examples of usage

  • He believes in nourishing the body with natural and organic foods.
  • She nourishes her plants with regular watering and fertilizing.
  • The mother nourishes her baby with breast milk.
  • The chef nourishes his customers with delicious and nutritious meals.
  • We should nourish our bodies with a balanced diet.

Etymology

The word 'nourish' originated from the Latin word 'nutrire', meaning 'to feed, nourish, support, preserve'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from its Latin roots to represent the act of providing sustenance or support for growth and health. Over the centuries, the concept of nourishment has expanded to include not only physical food but also emotional, mental, and spiritual sustenance.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,185, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.