health
health
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling of "health" is /hɛlθ/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds:
h: This is a voiceless glottal fricative. It's the sound you make when you gently breathe out.
ɛ: This is an open-mid front unrounded vowel. It's similar to the "e" in "bed".
l: This is an alveolar lateral approximant. It's the sound you make when your tongue touches the ridge behind your upper teeth.
θ: This is a voiceless dental fricative. It's the sound you make when you put your tongue between your teeth and breathe out.
Word Form Variations
"Health" is primarily a noun. Here are the word form variations:
health (noun, singular) - the state of being free from illness or injury.
healths (noun, plural) - This form is less common, but can be used when talking about the health of multiple individuals or groups. For example, "He drank to the healths of all those present."
healthy (adjective) - in good health.
healthier (adjective, comparative) - more healthy.
healthiest (adjective, superlative) - most healthy.
healthily (adverb) - in a healthy manner.
unhealthy (adjective) - not healthy.
While there isn't a verb form of "health" in common usage, you might encounter it in specific contexts like:
healthify (verb, informal) - to make something healthier. This is not a standard dictionary word but is sometimes used.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: The overall condition of a living organism at any given time, characterized by the soundness of physical and mental functions and the absence of disease or injury. It can also refer to the general well-being of a system or organization.
Example: "She was in excellent health, with no signs of illness."
Synonyms: well-being, fitness, wellness, soundness, vigor, vitality
Antonyms: illness, sickness, disease, infirmity, malady
Adjective
Definition: (healthy) Being in a good state of physical and mental well-being; free from disease or injury.
Example: "A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for a healthy lifestyle."
Synonyms: well, fit, robust, sound, strong, vigorous
Antonyms: sick, ill, unwell, diseased, frail, weak
Definition: (unhealthy) Not in a good state of physical or mental well-being; characterized by the presence of disease, injury, or a lack of vigor.
Example: "His unhealthy eating habits led to weight gain and other health problems."
Synonyms: sick, ill, unwell, diseased, frail, weak, harmful, detrimental
Antonyms: well, fit, robust, sound, strong, vigorous, beneficial, wholesome
Adverb
Definition: (healthily) In a way that promotes or maintains good health.
Example: "She eats healthily and exercises regularly."
Synonyms: well, soundly, robustly, hygienically
Antonyms: poorly, unhealthily, detrimentally, harmfully
Verb (informal)
Definition: (healthify) To make something healthier or to improve its overall condition.
Example: "He decided to healthify his lifestyle by quitting smoking and eating more vegetables."
Synonyms: improve, enhance, boost, revitalize
Antonyms: damage, harm, impair, weaken
Examples of Use
Books:
Fiction: "He was a man of robust health, weathered by years of working the land." (Example from any novel featuring a character description emphasizing physical well-being)
Non-fiction: "The book explores the connection between gut health and mental well-being." (Example from a book on health and wellness, like "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ" by Giulia Enders)
Newspapers:
"The study found a link between air pollution and declining public health in urban areas." (Example from an environmental health article in a newspaper like The Guardian)
"The healthcare system is struggling to cope with the increasing demands of an aging population." (Example from an article discussing healthcare policy in The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"Mental health awareness is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace." (Example from an article on workplace wellness on a site like Forbes.com)
"Researchers are developing new technologies to improve the health and longevity of the human body." (Example from a scientific article on a site like Nature.com)
Entertainment:
Movies: In the movie "Contagion," the characters grapple with the rapid spread of a deadly virus and its impact on global health.
Television: Medical dramas like "Grey's Anatomy" often portray the challenges and triumphs of healthcare professionals working to maintain and restore the health of their patients.
Music: Songs like "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson can be interpreted as anthems about overcoming adversity and achieving mental and emotional health.
Video Games: Games like "Fitness Boxing" promote physical health and wellness through interactive exercise routines.
General Public Discourse:
Political Debates: "Healthcare reform is a crucial issue in the upcoming election, with candidates debating the best way to ensure affordable and accessible health care for all citizens."
Social Media: "Taking a break from social media can be beneficial for your mental health and well-being." (Common advice found in online discussions about mental health)
Everyday Conversations: "I'm trying to prioritize my health by eating better and getting more sleep." (Example of how people discuss personal health goals in everyday conversations)
10 Famous Quotes Using Health
"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." — Mahatma Gandhi
"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." — Buddha
"Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings." — Publilius Syrus
"To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." — Buddha
"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope, has everything." — Arabian Proverb
"Health is not valued till sickness comes." — Thomas Fuller
"A healthy outside starts from the inside." — Robert Urich
"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory." — Albert Schweitzer
"Health requires healthy food." — Roger Williams (founder of modern nutritional science)
"The first wealth is health." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Etymology
Imagine the word "health" as a sturdy tree with deep roots. Those roots stretch back to Old English, where the word "hǣlþ" meant "wholeness" or "a being whole." It's like thinking of your body and mind as a complete and balanced system, where everything works together in harmony.
This original meaning is connected to the Old English word "hal," which meant "whole" or "uninjured." Think of words like "hale" and "hearty" – they all share that sense of being strong and complete.
Over time, "health" grew from just meaning "wholeness" to include the idea of being free from illness. This makes sense, right? When all your parts are whole and working well, you're less likely to get sick!
The first known use of "health" was way back in the Old English period, before the 12th century. That means people have been talking about health for over a thousand years!
So, basically, "health" comes from the idea of being whole and complete, both physically and mentally. It's about feeling good, having energy, and being able to do the things you love. Just like a healthy tree can withstand storms and grow strong, a healthy person can face challenges and thrive!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Health
Here are some that DO exist, plus those with synonyms to get the idea across:
With "health":
"In good health" - Simple, but common, meaning well.
"To your health!" - A toast, wishing someone well-being.
"Health is wealth" - Proverb, valuing well-being over riches.
With synonyms/related ideas:
"Fit as a fiddle" - Excellent physical condition.
"Picture of health" - Looking very well.
"Full of beans" - Energetic, lively (linked to good health).
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" - About preventative health.
"Back on one's feet" - Recovered from illness.
"Burning the candle at both ends" - Overdoing it, risking health.
Lesser-known/original:
"Health is the silent wealth" - Like the known one, but emphasizing how we take it for granted until it's gone.
"To gamble with one's health" - To take risky actions that could lead to illness.
"Health is the bedrock of happiness" - Similar to Leigh Hunt's quote, but more concise.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of health from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
