Word
fasting
Phoneticsfast·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfæstɪŋ/
UK/fˈɑːstɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of choosing not to eat for a certain time, often to follow religious rules or to improve your health.
n. the voluntary abstinence from food or drink for a specified period, commonly practiced as a religious rite or a dietary regimen.
Examples
“Fasting is a common practice during certain religious holidays.”
“The doctor recommended intermittent fasting to help the patient manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.”
“While some cultures view fasting as a means of spiritual purification, modern clinical research often focuses on the metabolic benefits of restricted eating windows.”
Examples
simple
“Fasting is a common practice during certain religious holidays.”
contextual
“The doctor recommended intermittent fasting to help the patient manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.”
complex
“While some cultures view fasting as a means of spiritual purification, modern clinical research often focuses on the metabolic benefits of restricted eating windows.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general practice.
Real-World Examples
“Ketone bodies also appear during fasting or very low-calorie diets, when the body must draw on stored fat for energy.” “Before fasting, it’s important to eat a normal meal that includes protein and to avoid both overeating and undereating.” Etymology
By surface analysis, fast + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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