nourishment
UK: ˈnʌrɪʃmənt | US: ˈnɜːrɪʃmənt
n. the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition
n. the act of nourishing or sustaining something (e.g., ideas, relationships)
The word "nourishment" traces back to the Old French "norissement," derived from "norir" (to feed), which itself comes from the Latin "nutrire" (to suckle, nurture). The suffix "-ment" was added in Middle English to form a noun denoting the result or action of nourishing. The root "nourish" retains its core meaning of providing sustenance, while "-ment" systematically converts verbs into nouns (e.g., "enjoyment," "development"). This reflects a logical progression from the physical act of feeding to the broader concept of sustaining life or growth.
Proper nourishment is essential for a child’s development.
The soil’s richness determines the nourishment available to plants.
She found emotional nourishment in her friendships.
The book provided intellectual nourishment during his isolation.
Without adequate nourishment, the body cannot function optimally.