English Reference

Word

healthy

US/ˈhɛɫθi/

UK/hˈɛlθi/

Definitions

01not sick

A1 · Beginner

adj. having good health and not being sick or injured.

adj. possessing or enjoying good physical or mental health; free from disease or infirmity.

“The doctor said that my heart is very healthy for my age.”

“After months of physical therapy and a disciplined diet, the athlete returned to the field looking remarkably healthy and energetic.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02good for your body

A1 · Beginner

adj. something that helps you stay well, like good food or exercise.

adj. conducive to or promoting good health; beneficial to physical well-being.

“Eating a healthy breakfast gives you energy for the whole day.”

“Public health experts advocate for urban planning that encourages healthy habits, such as walking to work and accessing green spaces.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03showing health

B1 · Intermediate

adj. looking like you are in good health.

adj. evincing or indicative of good health, often through physical appearance.

“The baby has healthy pink cheeks and a loud cry.”

“The plants displayed a healthy green glow after being moved to a sunnier spot in the garden.”

Antonyms

04large or successful

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. a large or successful amount of something, like money or respect.

adj. significant in size, amount, or degree; showing strength or success in a non-medical context.

“The company reported a healthy profit at the end of the year.”

“Despite the economic downturn, the firm maintained a healthy respect for its competitors while securing a substantial market share.”

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “healthy” in context.

01. healthy adults 02. healthy aging 03. healthy diet 04. healthy people

Confusables

healthy vs healthful

Healthy describes the state of a living being, while healthful describes something that improves or maintains that state.

RememberHealthy is how you feel; healthful is what the food does.

Etymology

From health + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

healthy(A1)

Related words

Domain

Health

This entry

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference