Nourishment: meaning, definitions and examples

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nourishment

[ˈnɜːrɪʃmənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

The substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition. Nourishment can come from a variety of sources, including fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates.

Synonyms

food, nutrition, sustenance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nourishment	Best for formal contexts or when referring to the overall act of providing the body with what's needed for growth, health, and good condition. After several days without proper nourishment, the hikers were weak and exhausted
nutrition	Used more scientifically or technically when discussing the health benefits of different types of food and their components. Good nutrition is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
food	Commonly used in everyday situations to simply refer to what people and animals eat. What's your favorite type of food?
sustenance	Often used in more literary or formal contexts, implying the basic necessities for life. They were living off the bare minimum of sustenance to survive

Examples of usage

Healthy nourishment includes a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
Infants require proper nourishment for healthy development.
Eating a variety of foods ensures that you get all the necessary nourishment.
The lack of proper nourishment can lead to health issues.
Nutritional supplements can provide additional nourishment if needed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'nourrir', meaning 'to feed' or 'to nourish'.
It has roots in the Latin 'nutrire', which also means 'to feed, nourish or support'.

Health

Proper nourishment is crucial for physical growth, especially in children.
Balanced nutrition helps prevent diseases and supports mental health, showing how what we eat affects our mood.
Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are essential for various bodily functions, highlighting the need for diverse diets.

Cultural Insights

Different cultures have unique traditional foods that provide nourishment while reflecting their history and environment.
In many societies, meals are not just about nutrition but also social gatherings, creating strong community bonds.

Psychology

Studies show that the type of food consumed can influence cognitive functions like memory and attention.
Food and nourishment can be tied to emotional well-being, as certain foods can evoke feelings and memories.

Literature

In literature, symbolism of food often represents knowledge and sustenance for the mind or soul.
Many authors use the act of sharing a meal to symbolize unity and connection between characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "nourishment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nutrição

🇮🇳 पोषण

🇩🇪 Nahrung

🇮🇩 nutrisi

🇺🇦 харчування

🇵🇱 odżywianie

🇯🇵 栄養

🇫🇷 nourriture

🇪🇸 nutrición

🇹🇷 beslenme

🇰🇷 영양

🇸🇦 تغذية

🇨🇿 výživa

🇸🇰 výživa

🇨🇳 营养

🇸🇮 prehrana

🇮🇸 næring

🇰🇿 қорек

🇬🇪 კვება

🇦🇿 qidalanma

🇲🇽 nutrición

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,457, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11454 uncontrolled
11455 populace
11456 interdependence
11457 nourishment
11458 hindered
11459 irritated
11460 reins
...