What is health? Pronunciation and usage in English

health means . Learn how to pronounce and use health through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of health

healthnoun

/hɛlθ/
Definition & pronunciation of health

The word "health" is pronounced “helth” in English.

Here's a breakdown:

  • he – pronounced like the "he" in "head"
  • alth – pronounced like "alth" – a short, unstressed "a" sound followed by "th" (as in "thin").

It’s a tricky one for non-native speakers because the "h" at the beginning is silent.

You can also hear it pronounced correctly on websites like:

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Usage and examples with the word health in English

Let's break down how to use the word "health" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (the state of being well):

  • Basic Definition: This is the most common usage. It refers to a person's physical, mental, and emotional condition.
    • "I'm worried about my health." (Referring to overall well-being)
    • "Eating a healthy diet is important for your health."
    • "She's recovering from an illness and focusing on her health."
    • "Good health is a blessing."

2. Referring to Physical Well-being:

  • Physical Health: Specifically about the body’s condition.
    • “He needs to improve his physical health by exercising more.”
    • “A balanced diet contributes to good physical health.”
    • “Doctors monitor patients’ physical health.”

3. Referring to Mental & Emotional Well-being:

  • Mental Health: Focuses on a person’s psychological and emotional state.

    • "It’s important to prioritize your mental health."
    • "He’s struggling with his mental health and seeking therapy."
    • “Supporting someone with poor mental health requires empathy.”

  • Emotional Health: Related to how you feel and manage your emotions.

    • “She’s working on improving her emotional health through mindfulness.”
    • “Maintaining a positive outlook contributes to good emotional health.”

4. As a Verb (to promote or maintain health):

  • To Health: (Often used in official greetings, especially in British English)
    • “Health to you!” (Instead of “Cheers!”) – A traditional toast.
  • To Heal: (To restore health)
    • "The medicine is helping him heal."
    • "The doctor prescribed medication to heal her wound."
  • To Encourage Health: (to motivate someone to be healthy)
    • "We need to health our students by teaching them about nutrition." (Less common, but possible)

5. Related Phrases & Idioms:

  • Healthy lifestyle: A way of living that promotes good health. ("Eating well and exercising regularly is part of a healthy lifestyle.")
  • Health risks: Potential dangers to your health. ("Smoking poses a serious health risk.")
  • Health care: Medical services. ("She needs to see a doctor for health care.")
  • Good health: State of being in good physical and mental condition.
  • Poor health: Not in good physical or mental condition.
  • Take care of your health: Be mindful of your well-being.

6. Contextual Usage & Nuance:

  • Health Organizations: (e.g., World Health Organization - WHO) – Used to refer to groups dedicated to improving global health.
  • Health Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses.

Tips for Using "Health" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about whether you’re referring to physical, mental, or emotional well-being.
  • Combine with adjectives: Use adjectives to describe the state of health (e.g., "good health," "poor health," "rapid health improvement").
  • Use specific terms: Sometimes, it's better to use more specific words to describe a particular aspect of health (e.g., “nutrition,” “exercise,” “stress management”).

Resources for More Information:

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Synonyms for the word health

Idioms of the word health

a clean bill of health
a report that says somebody is healthy or that something is in good condition
  • Doctors gave him a clean bill of health after a series of tests and examinations.
  • The building was given a clean bill of health by the surveyor.
drink somebody’s health
(British English)to wish somebody good health as you lift your glass, and then drink from it
    your (very) good health!
    said before drinking alcohol to express good wishes for somebody's health and happiness
      in rude health
      (British English, old-fashioned)looking or feeling very healthy
        propose a toast (to somebody) | propose somebody’s health
        to ask people to wish somebody health, happiness and success by raising their glasses and drinking
        • I'd like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.

        Practice with vocabulary health

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. Many governmental policies now focus on promoting public _______ through preventative measures.
        2. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental _______.
        3. Regular physical activity contributes significantly to overall personal _______.
        4. Before starting any new exercise regimen, it's advisable to consult a _______ professional.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

        1. To address declining public _______, the government is implementing new policies to improve living standards. a) economy b) health c) education d) infrastructure

        2. Maintaining good _______ involves a combination of regular physical activity, strong mental well-being, and proper nutrition. a) livelihood b) health c) prosperity d) fortune

        3. What terms describe a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity? a) Wellness b) Health c) Fitness d) Prosperity e) Equilibrium

        4. If a doctor prescribes medication to alleviate symptoms, what is the primary goal? a) To cure the disease completely b) To treat the patient's condition c) To diagnose the underlying problem d) To prevent future illnesses

        5. What is the process of identifying the nature of an illness or other problem by examining the symptoms and medical history? a) Prognosis b) Therapy c) Diagnosis d) Remediation

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. It is important for people to be in good physical condition to perform well at work. Rewrite using "health" or related word forms.

        2. The lack of sleep can negatively affect your ability to think clearly. Rewrite using "health" or related word forms.

        3. Many individuals now focus on their overall physical and mental state. Rewrite without using "health" or related word forms, using a suitable replacement word.

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. health
        2. health
        3. well-being (or fitness)
        4. medical (or healthcare)

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. b) health
        2. b) health
        3. a) Wellness, b) Health, c) Fitness
        4. b) To treat the patient's condition
        5. c) Diagnosis

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. Maintaining good physical health is essential for optimal workplace performance.
        2. Insufficient sleep has a detrimental effect on one's cognitive health.
        3. Many individuals now prioritize their holistic well-being.

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