What does nutritionally mean?
“Nutritionally” is an adverb meaning in relation to nutrition, especially the presence of nutrients in food and the effects of food on health. It is commonly used with adjectives such as “balanced,” “rich,” “adequate,” and “deficient,” as in “a nutritionally balanced meal” or “a nutritionally poor diet.” The word is especially common in formal discussions of food, health, public policy, and product labelling. Although a food may be tasty and appealing, it need not be nutritionally satisfactory; conversely, food can provide important nutrients without being especially appetizing. The term is therefore useful whenever an evaluation focuses not only on what food tastes like, but also on what it contributes to a balanced diet and to physical health. It is closely related to “nutrition,” “nutritious,” and “nutritional,” but specifies the manner or standpoint of such an evaluation.
adverbIn a way relating to the nutrients contained in food or to the way food affects health and the body.
- With reference to the nutrients in food or their effects on health.
"The recipe is delicious and nutritionally well balanced."
"The school revised its lunch programme so that it would be nutritionally sound for pupils."
"Although the meal was small, it was nutritionally satisfying."
Something can be delicious without being nutritionally balanced, and can be nutritionally balanced without being especially delicious.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nutritionally come from?
The word comes from the Latin word “nutritio,” meaning nourishment or the process of being nourished, and ultimately from “nutrire,” meaning to nourish. In English, “nutrition” developed in the 16th century, while “nutritional” and “nutritionally” are later formations based on the same Latin root. The related adjective “nutritious” likewise entered English in the 17th century. The family reflects the longstanding connection between nourishment, the substances needed by the body, and the preservation of health.
Related word forms
How nutritionally is actually used
Common in formal and informational contexts, especially discussions of food, health, and dietary standards. It often forms an adverb with an adjective, as in “nutritionally balanced” or “nutritionally deficient.”
Easily confused with nutritionally
“Nutritionally” describes something in relation to its nutritional qualities, whereas “nutritious” describes food that provides beneficial nutrients.