nourish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nourish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of providing sustenance to people, animals, or plants. For example, "The food was designed to nourish the body and the soul."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This effort must begin again with each new generation to help nourish both people and the planet.

The Guardian

It's like when you want to have good cotton, you need to fertilise the soil to nourish the seeds for a good yield".

The Guardian

But it did nourish the legend.

The Guardian - Sport

Indignation at the alleged behaviour of French executives will only nourish a general feeling that bosses are not only overpaid, but get away with financial abuse scot-free.

The Economist

In 40AD, Hippalus, a Greek merchant, discovered something the Arabs had long tried to obscure: that the monsoons which nourish India's pepper vines reverse direction mid-year, and that trips from Egypt's Red Sea coast to India and back could thus be shorter and safer than the empire had imagined.

The Economist

One way to nourish Islamic extremism is to stamp on the harmless expression of Islamist ideas.

The Economist

Out of these roots grow the organisation's "core products" which, in turn, nourish a number of separate business units.

The Economist

It will set up its own incubator to nourish local start-ups, in addition to the clean-tech fund and other strategic investments in mature firms.Human capital, however, is another story.

The Economist

But to those who brood on anniversaries, who suspect every last thing the government does, and who nourish their hatreds in the emptier corners of the country, the trial raises more questions than it answers.

The Economist

But they have to nourish their fans in an authentic way, says Kiran Gandhi, a former digital analyst for Interscope Records and a touring drummer for M.I.A, a rapper.

The Economist

You will not nourish the seed of the lichen?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "nourish", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: physical sustenance, emotional support, or intellectual growth. Choose examples that accurately reflect your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "nourish" excessively in purely metaphorical senses without a clear connection to actual sustenance or growth. Overuse can weaken the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nourish" is a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on a direct object. It describes providing sustenance or support to facilitate growth and well-being, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nourish" functions primarily as a transitive verb, conveying the act of providing sustenance or support for growth and well-being. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from physical nourishment to metaphorical development. While predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and science-related sources, "nourish" maintains a formal to neutral register. When choosing "nourish", consider its precise nuance of fostering growth and development, both literally and figuratively, avoiding overuse in overly metaphorical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide sustenance

Focuses specifically on the act of supplying what is necessary to sustain life.

foster growth

Emphasizes the process of encouraging development and advancement.

promote well-being

Highlights the improvement and maintenance of health and happiness.

sustain life

Focuses on the continuation of life through provision of necessary resources.

encourage development

Similar to foster growth, but more directly emphasizes the act of encouragement.

cultivate growth

Implies careful and deliberate nurturing to promote development.

support development

Highlights the act of providing assistance for progress.

fuel development

Implies providing the energy or resources necessary for advancement.

feed and care for

Combines the provision of food with general care and attention.

take care of

Offers a general term for providing for someone's needs and well-being.

FAQs

How to use "nourish" in a sentence?

You can use "nourish" to describe providing sustenance, supporting growth, or fostering development. For example, "The program aims to "nourish" young talent in the arts."

What can I say instead of "nourish"?

You can use alternatives like "provide sustenance", "foster growth", or "support development" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "nourish" or "nurture"?

"Nourish" and "nurture" are similar but not always interchangeable. "Nourish" often refers to providing physical sustenance, while "nurture" implies more general care and support, especially during development. They can be synonyms in many cases, but it is best to understand the nuance of each term to avoid confusion. Use them according to the exact purpose of what you want to describe.

What does it mean to "nourish" an idea?

To ""nourish"" an idea means to support and develop it, providing the necessary resources and attention for it to grow and flourish. This is a metaphorical usage of the word, extending its meaning beyond physical sustenance.