Food Definition: Sustenance, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：sustenance (Food)

Food 🔊

/fuːd/

Something that people or animals eat to stay alive and healthy.

sustenance 🔊

➕

/ˈsʌstɪnəns/

Any substance consumed by living organisms to provide energy, growth, and maintenance.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English fōda, related to feed; refers to substances taken in by organisms.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a wooden spoon with 'FOOD' carved on it, scooping nourishing soup.

📖 Example

We always share a big meal with family during holidays, and the food is always delicious. 🔊 During holidays, families enjoy a large meal together, and the food is always tasty.

🔗 Collocations

fast food – Quickly prepared food, often less healthy and high in calories.

organic food – Food grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

comfort food – Food that provides nostalgic or sentimental value, often high in sugar or fat.

🔄 Synonyms

nourishment (n.) – Substances that provide the nutrients needed for growth and health.

cuisine (n.) – A style or method of cooking, especially characteristic of a particular region or culture.

edibles (n. pl.) – Items that can be eaten as food.

🚫 Antonyms

hunger (n.) – A feeling of discomfort caused by lack of food.

starvation (n.) – Suffering or death caused by lack of food.

poison (n.) – A substance that can cause illness or death if consumed.

🌱 Derivatives

foodie (n.) – A person who is very interested in food and cooking.

foodstuff (n.) – Any substance that is used as food.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'food' originates from Proto-Germanic *fōdą, linked to 'feed'. It is one of the most fundamental words in English, reflecting basic human necessity.