healthy
/ˈhel.θi/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Good for your body or mind, or showing good physical condition. A healthy person is not sick and usually has normal strength and energy.
- She eats healthy food every day.
- A healthy baby was born last night.
- Regular exercise helps you stay healthy.
- 2.
Strong and successful, especially for a business, relationship, or process. It means there is good growth, good support, or no serious problems.
- The company is in a healthy financial position.
- They need a healthy debate before deciding.
- Their friendship is still healthy after many years.
Adinary Nuance
Healthy is broader than 'fit' and more positive than just 'not sick'. Use 'fit' mainly for physical training and strong body condition. Use 'well' for general health, especially in spoken English. Healthy can also describe business, relationships, or habits that are good and balanced.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khỏe mạnh
- Spanish
- saludable
- Chinese
- 健康的
- Japanese
- 健康な
- Korean
- 건강한
Etymology
From Old English hǣlþig, from hāl, meaning 'whole' or 'unhurt'. The idea behind the word is being whole, well, and in good condition.
Common phrases
healthy foodhealthy lifestylehealthy bodyhealthy debate
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is healthy the same as fit?
- Not exactly. Fit usually means physically strong and active. Healthy can mean not sick, or generally good and balanced.
- Can I say healthy for food?
- Yes. Healthy food is food that is good for your body, like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Is healthy formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech, school writing, and business writing.
- Can healthy describe money or business?
- Yes. It can mean strong, stable, and successful, like a healthy profit or healthy growth.