English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

diet

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈdaɪət/ UK /dˈaɪət/ di·et UK spelling diets

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.the food and drink that a person or animal usually eats.

    n.the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.

    Simple

    A healthy diet should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    In context

    The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of olive oil, legumes, and unrefined cereals.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a special plan where you eat specific foods to lose weight or improve your health.

    n.a restricted or regulated course of food and drink, typically pursued for medical reasons or to reduce body weight.

    Simple

    I am going on a diet because I want to lose five kilograms before summer.

    In context

    After the check-up, the doctor advised him to start a low-sodium diet to help manage his blood pressure.

    Pitfall
    I am in a diet. I am on a diet.

    Use the preposition 'on' when talking about following a specific eating plan.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    n.a formal meeting or assembly of leaders to discuss laws and government.

    n.a formal deliberative assembly or legislative body in certain countries.

    Simple

    The Japanese Diet passed a new law regarding environmental protection.

    In context

    The historic Diet of Worms was a critical assembly that addressed the effects of the Protestant Reformation in the Holy Roman Empire.

    Usage

    Often capitalized when referring to a specific national body, such as the Japanese Diet.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to limit what you eat so that you can become thinner.

    v.to restrict oneself to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight.

    Simple

    She has been dieting for three weeks but hasn't lost much weight yet.

    In context

    Many people find it difficult to continue dieting once the initial rapid weight loss begins to plateau.

    Usage

    The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

    overeatbinge
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    adj.food or drink that has less sugar or fat than the normal version.

    adj.referring to food or drink formulated to be low in calories, sugar, or fat.

    Simple

    I prefer the taste of regular cola to the diet version.

    In context

    The supermarket aisle was stocked with diet snacks that claimed to satisfy sugar cravings without the added calories.

    low callightlite
    full fat
This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated