nourish - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
nourish Word Meanings
- to provide the food or substances necessary for growth
- to support or encourage
- to sustain with nutrition
nourish Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
nourish Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈnʌrɪʃ/
US
/ˈnɜːrɪʃ/
nourish Word Etymology
From 'nourish', composed of 'nour-' (from Latin 'nutrire' = feed) + '-ish' (meaning to cause to action), historically from Latin to Middle English. Imagine a farmer nurturing crops, feeding them with care to ensure a bountiful harvest.
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 InputReal Context
Nourish is a verb meaning to provide the food or substances necessary for growth; to support or encourage someone or something; to sustain with nutrition. The word carries both physical and figurative weight: you nourish a child with meals and vitamins; you nourish a project with resources and encouragement; you nourish hope by kind words. Etymology comes from nourish, built from nour- (from Latin nutrire = to feed) + -ish (to cause to action), with history spanning Latin to Middle English. Imagine a farmer tending crops, feeding them with care to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Usage Reminders
- Nourish is transitive and needs an object.
- Common collocations include nourish growth, nourish the body, nourish the mind, nourish a relationship.
- You can nourish someone with care, time, or resources.
- Prefer nourish over feed for non-literal nourishment.
- Attach with with/by as appropriate: nourish X with Y, nourish X by Y.
Common Misconceptions
- Nourish means only feeding food to someone.
- Nourish and feed are always interchangeable.
- Nourish cannot be used for non-physical things.
- Nourish equals nurture in every context.
- You can nourish instantly; it does not require ongoing care.
Thinking Differences
English often treats nourish as both physical and metaphorical care, but learners must note that it is not a plain synonym of feed; nourish emphasizes ongoing support and development.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations: nourish growth, nourish the body, nourish the mind.
- Distinguish nourish from nurture and feed.
- Use both literal and figurative examples in sentences.
- Practice with animals? Use 'nourish' for growth, not just feeding animals.
- Listen for natural usage in speech and media.
- Create your own sentences to reinforce patterns.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'nourish'?
A.Neglect
B.Grow
C.Destroy
D.Sleep
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'nourish' used correctly?
A.She tried to neglect her plants to help them flourish.
B.He nourished his body by eating a balanced diet.
C.The storm helped to destroy the crops, promoting growth.
D.I will nourish my muscles by staying in bed all day.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'nourish'?
A.Starve
B.Deplete
C.Eradicate
D.Foster
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'nourish'?
A.Diminish
B.Thrive
C.Sustain
D.Revive
Step 5: Mastery
How can you apply the word 'nourish' in your daily life?
A.By destroying plants in my garden.
B.By ignoring my health and well-being.
C.By eating nutritious meals to nourish my body.
D.By avoiding sleep to nourish my mind.
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