Diet Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/daɪˈɛt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A specific selection of foods eaten, which supplies the body with necessary nutrients, calories, and other substances required for growth, maintenance, and repair of the body’s tissues.

Examples

• Her diet consisted mainly of vegetables and whole grains.
• The athlete follows a strict diet to maintain his weight and performance.

Synonyms

• Ration
• Habit

Antonyms

• Binge

Additional Information

A diet can vary in terms of its composition, calorie intake, and nutritional content. A well-planned diet can help prevent various health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. On the other hand, an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of these conditions. The concept of diet has been widely discussed and debated in the context of human health, with various dietary approaches being advocated for or criticized.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in various diets, such as veganism, vegetarianism, and ketogenic diets. These diets often focus on specific ingredients, food groups, or nutrient ratios and can be used for weight management, improving overall health, or achieving specific health goals.

Etimology

The word “diet” comes from the Old French word “diete,” meaning “way of living.” It is derived from the Latin word “dieticus,” which is related to the Greek word “dieitikos,” meaning “of or for living.” The concept of diet has been around since ancient times, with the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) writing extensively about the importance of diet in maintaining health.

Usage Notes

– Diet can refer to a long-term eating plan, but it can also refer to a single meal or meal plan.

– When referring to a person’s eating habits, the term “diet” is often used informally, while in medical or scientific contexts, it is often used in its more technical sense.

Cultural References

– In popular culture, diet is often depicted as a restrictive or challenging experience, exemplified in movies and TV shows that feature characters trying to stick to a strict diet.

– The concept of diet is also often discussed in the context of health and wellness, with many celebrities and influencers promoting various diets and eating plans.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

– “On a diet”: to be following a specific eating plan or restriction.

– “Sticking to his diet”: to strictly follow his eating plan or habits.

Related Words or Phrases

– Food

– Nutrition

– Healthy eating

Collocations

– ‘Follow a diet’

– ‘Stick to a diet’

– ‘Eat a diet rich in vegetables’

Frequency of Use

– The word “diet” is commonly used in everyday conversation, particularly in the context of health and wellness.

Common Misspellings

– Diettee

– Dyet