Health Definition, Examples, and Common Collocations

Meaning 1：state of well-being (health)

health 🔊

/helθ/

The condition of your body and mind, when you are well and free from illness.

Health concept: person jogging in park with water bottle and fruit

state of well-being 🔊

➕

/steɪt əv ˌwel ˈbiːɪŋ/

The overall condition of being free from illness and having a sound body and mind.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'hælþ', related to 'heal' and 'whole', meaning wholeness and soundness.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'Heal' + 'th' → Heal yourself to be in health.

📖 Example

The doctor emphasized that good health depends on a balanced diet and regular exercise. 🔊 The doctor emphasized that good health depends on a balanced diet and regular exercise.

🔗 Collocations

health care – Services and practices for maintaining and improving health.

public health – The health of the population as a whole, especially through government policies and interventions.

mental health – A person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

🔄 Synonyms

wellness (n.) – The state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.

fitness (n.) – The condition of being physically strong and healthy.

well-being (n.) – The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

🚫 Antonyms

illness (n.) – A disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.

disease (n.) – A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms.

sickness (n.) – The state of being ill.

🌱 Derivatives

healthy (adj.) – In good health.

healthful (adj.) – Conducive to good health.

unhealthy (adj.) – In poor health.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'health' originates from Proto-Germanic *hailitho, derived from *hailaz (whole). It has been used in English since the 12th century and is central to medical and wellness contexts.