aliments

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'aliments' is not commonly used in everyday English and is not considered standard English.
It is considered an archaic or dated term that is more commonly found in older literature or formal writing. In general, the word 'aliments' refers to the food or nourishment that one consumes, or to things that are necessary for growth or maintenance. It can also be used as a verb meaning to provide nourishment or support. Example: The doctor recommended a diet rich in essential aliments such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. The farmer diligently tended to his crops, ensuring they had enough water and nutrients to aliment their growth. In this sense, 'aliments' is being used to refer to the necessary sustenance for a living thing. It is also acceptable to use 'aliments' when discussing specific nutrients or substances that are essential for health, such as vitamin-rich aliments or herbal aliments. Example: The herbalist prescribed a blend of natural aliments to boost the patient's immune system. Overall, while 'aliments' is a correct word and can be used in written English, it is not commonly used in modern, everyday language and may sound outdated or even confusing to some readers. It is typically used in more formal.

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But at Hunter, her friends accept her quirks, like her tendency to diagnose their medical aliments, and respect her preference for classical, not rock music.

The New York Times

It used contemporary technology to abet the narrator --played by Mr. Camp, and another civil servant consumed by jealousy (among other psychic aliments) -- in his self-destructive narcissism.

The New York Times

Neither has a problem that she is the breadwinner and her salary aliments the joint account.

The New York Times

Treacy's got "a bad leg", but the band's current lineup, of which the singer is the sole founding member, are fighting more than just physical aliments.

The Guardian - Music

Minor aliments, like colds, were invariably taken as signs of life-threatening illnesses.

The New York Times - Health

She said she is particularly concerned about reports of firefighters and others who work at the site who have begun to suffer respiratory aliments, and about discrepancies between the reports from the Environmental Protection Agency and independent investigators who have monitored toxic substances in the air downtown.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The timing of Musharraf's aliment was greeted with incredulity by observers whose suspicions were further aroused by the fact the former army chief had been taken directly to a military hospital for treatment.

The Guardian

Former Senator Bill Bradley disclosed tonight that he had suffered four bouts of irregular heartbeat, a recurring condition known as atrial fibrillation, since Dec. 10, when he first said he suffered from the aliment.

The New York Times

A16 Bradley Heart Condition Bill Bradley said he had experienced four bouts of irregular heartbeat, a chronic condition known as atrial fibrillation, since Dec. 10, when he first disclosed his aliment.

The New York Times

Shelves are stocked with olive oils, peppers, pasta, pastries and other alliterative aliment.

The New York Times

Indeed, they were surely pernicious, serving as a "pretense, and aliment, to despotism; if not … in practice, a despotism however in disposition" (1970, 28n).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and contemporary terms like "food", "nourishment", or "medical conditions" for broader appeal and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "aliments" in casual or informal writing. Its archaic nature can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The word "aliments" functions primarily as a noun, referring to sources of nutrition or, less commonly, medical conditions. The Ludwig examples illustrate both usages, with some instances referring to physical "illnesses".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "aliments" refers to food, nourishment, or medical conditions. While grammatically correct, it's considered somewhat archaic and is not commonly used in modern English. As Ludwig AI points out, contemporary alternatives like "food", "nourishment", or "medical conditions" are generally preferred for better clarity and broader appeal. Its use is more suited to formal writing or when aiming for a specific historical or scientific tone. Most examples come from "The New York Times" and "The Guardian", so that's why the main usage context is News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Physical ailments

More specific term that focuses on physical health problems.

Foodstuffs

A more general term for food and related products.

Nutriment

Focuses on the nutritional value of food.

Nourishment

Emphasizes the act of providing sustenance.

Provisions

Implies a supply of food, often for a journey or specific purpose.

Victuals

An older term for food, similar in register to "aliments".

Health problems

Replaces with a more general phrase for physical illnesses.

Medical conditions

Focuses specifically on health issues and ailments.

Illnesses

Broader term referring to sickness and disease.

Afflictions

Refers to something that causes pain or suffering, encompassing both physical and emotional distress.

FAQs

What does "aliments" mean?

"Aliments" refers to food or nourishment. It can also refer to medical conditions, although this usage is less common today.

What can I say instead of "aliments"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "food", "nourishment", or "medical conditions".

Is it correct to use "aliments" in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "aliments" is considered an older term. Using more common words like "food" or "medical conditions" is generally preferred in contemporary writing.

How do I use "aliments" in a sentence?

You might say, "A balanced diet provides essential "nutrients" and "aliments" for good health", but consider using "food" instead of "aliments" for better clarity.