health
/hɛlθ/
Health represents a state of wholeness and functional harmony within a living organism. It is not merely the absence of disease, but a positive presence of vitality and resilience. While "wellness" often refers to a proactive lifestyle or a holistic trend, "health" is the foundational condition. It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation and is used across all registers, from clinical medical reports to casual conversations about diet and exercise. In broader contexts, it extends to the robustness of non-biological systems, such as the "health of an economy" or the "health of a relationship," implying stability, sustainability, and a lack of systemic failure.
Uncountable when referring to the general state of wellness (good health). Countable when referring to specific types or categories of wellness (different aspects of health).
💬Casual Conversation
This new blockchain project could revolutionize personal health data.
Just focus on your own health, Jackson. Like, getting a real job.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
public health
the health of the population as a whole.
The government is responsible for public health.
mental health
a person's condition of psychological or emotional well-being.
It's important to take care of your mental health.
physical health
the state of the body and the way it functions.
Regular exercise is crucial for good physical health.
health care
the maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health, especially through the provision of medical services.
The rising cost of health care is a major concern.
health insurance
a type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses that are incurred by the insured.
Do you have health insurance through your employer?
Idioms & Sayings
health and safety
rules and actions intended to prevent accidents or injuries at work or in a particular place.
The company has strict health and safety regulations.
in good health
healthy and well.
Despite his age, he is still in good health.
in poor health
unwell or sick.
She has been in poor health for several months.
toast to someone's health
to drink wine or another alcoholic beverage in honor of someone.
We raised our glasses to toast his health on his birthday.
health nut
a person who is very interested in their health and eats and exercises in a very careful way.
She's a real health nut; she only eats organic food.
Etymology
The word 'health' comes from the Old English word 'hælþ', meaning 'well-being, welfare, greeting'. It is related to the Old English word 'hāl', meaning 'whole, sound, healthy'. The word's origin traces back to Proto-Germanic roots, signifying soundness and completeness. It entered Middle English in the 12th century.