Diet
/ˈdaɪət/
Definitions
3 meaningsA special course of food to which a person restricts themselves, usually to lose weight or for medical reasons.
/ˈdaɪət/
A specific selection of food or drink.
My doctor put me on a gluten-free diet.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to eat fewer cookies and more veggies to feel better. That's like going on a diet! It's a special eating plan.
👶 For kids: Eating special foods to stay healthy or get better.
More Examples
She is following a low-carb diet.
The nutritionist created a personalized diet plan for me.
How It's Used
"The doctor prescribed a low-sodium diet for the patient."
"She went on a strict diet to lose weight."
To eat and drink according to a specified regimen, usually to control weight or for health reasons.
/ˈdaɪət/
To restrict oneself to a specific selection of food or drink.
She decided to diet before the summer.
💡 Simply: If you decide to eat only healthy food like salads and fruits, and you're avoiding all the junk food, you are dieting!
👶 For kids: To eat special foods on purpose to stay healthy or lose weight.
More Examples
He's been dieting for three months and has already lost 10 pounds.
I need to diet to feel better.
How It's Used
"He is dieting to lose weight before the competition."
"Many people diet after the holidays."
A formal assembly or conference, especially of a political or religious nature.
/ˈdaɪət/
A legislative assembly
The Diet of Augsburg was significant in the history of the Reformation.
💡 Simply: In olden times, a 'diet' was like a special meeting where important people would gather to make big decisions, almost like a very important board meeting.
👶 For kids: A big meeting of important people.
More Examples
The council convened the imperial diet to address the financial crisis.
The historical diet was a crucial decision-making body.
How It's Used
"The Diet of Worms in 1521 addressed the issues of the Reformation."
"The Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire held significant power."
Idioms & expressions
go on a diet
To start following a specific eating plan.
"I'm going on a diet to lose a few pounds."
From Old French *diète* or directly from Latin *diaeta*, from Greek *díaita* meaning 'way of life, regimen'. Originally referred to a general way of life or regimen, including food, drink, and lifestyle.
Historically, 'diet' referred more broadly to a way of life. Over time, its focus narrowed to the aspect of food and beverage consumption.