feeds - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
feeds Word Meanings
- to give food to someone or something
- to provide nourishment
- to supply with data or information
feeds Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
feeds Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/fiːd/
US
/fiːd/
feeds Word Etymology
feed = to provide + food. Historical origin: Old English 'fēdan' → Middle English → Modern English. Memory image: Imagine a farmer pouring grain into a trough, nourishing the animals, which represents nourishment and providing sustenance.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I kneel by the bowl, move the dish closer, and guide the spoon toward the dog. I adjust my grip and push a bit more food, keeping my eyes on its hopeful face. When the first bite lands, the room quiets and hunger gives way to relief, and I keep the rhythm. Later at work, I set a chart and let it feed with data, noticing how information fills the gaps the same way a belly fills.
Real Context
Feed as a verb covers three related ideas. First, to give food to a person or animal so they can eat and stay nourished (feed the dog, feed a baby). Second, to supply nourishment more abstractly, such as programs or meals that feed a community. Third, in tech and media, to input or supply data or information to a system, database, or feed. In English we also use phrasal forms like feed up, feed on, feed back, and phrases such as 'to feed someone information' or 'to feed a device'. A memory image of a farmer pouring grain into a trough helps learners remember nourishment and providing sustenance.
Usage Reminders
- Use feed with an object you give food to.
- Distinguish who is feeding (feeder) from who is being fed (the fed).
- In nutrition or media, you can say 'feed the system' or 'feed a data stream'.
- Watch for phrasal verbs: feed back, feed on.
- Specify when feeding a device or person (time, quantity).
Common Misconceptions
- Feeding is only for animals; humans are not usually fed.
- Feed means the eater is the one doing the action (eat).
- Feed and eat are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Feed only refers to food; not data or information.
- Confusing feed on with feed into; wrong prepositions or meanings.
Thinking Differences
In English, feed emphasizes an active giving action toward a receiver (food, data, or information). Learners often think it means the eater is doing the feeding or confuse it with eat. Paying attention to the object (feed the cat, feed data into a system) helps avoid mistakes.
Learning Tips
- Make a separate list of foods you feed to people or animals.
- Practice input contexts: 'feed data into a system' with different verbs.
- Compare feeding vs eating in daily life and technology.
- Use and memorize phrasal verbs: feed back, feed on, feed into.
- Create quick scenario sentences for different subjects (dog, plant, database).
- Watch for collocations: feed the cat, feed a meal, feed information.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'feeds'?
A.to ignore someone's needs
B.to take food away from someone
C.to provide food for someone or something
D.to keep something away
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'feeds' correctly.
A.The tree feeds the soil with nutrients.
B.She feeds her dog twice a day.
C.The river feeds are fish.
D.He feeds quickly and runs.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'feeds'?
A.removes
B.nourishes
C.hinders
D.discards
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'feeds'?
A.replenishes
B.supports
C.starves
D.provides
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving 'feeds'?
A.The garden needs more sunlight.
B.He enjoys a nice walk in the park.
C.A pet owner gives his cat lunch.
D.The baby plays with its toys.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App