heal
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /hiːl/
KK: /hil/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become healthy or recover from an injury or illness.
Example
After a few weeks of rest, she began to heal from her injury.
Tense Forms
Past: healed
Past Participle: healed
Conversation
I heard that spending time in nature can really help you heal.
Absolutely! It’s so refreshing and calming.
Yeah, I think I need that after this stressful week.
Definitely, just take some time for yourself to heal.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
recover
mend
regenerate
Antonyms
worsen
deteriorate
decline
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone or something healthy again; to cure or fix a problem.
Example
The doctor worked hard to heal the patient's wounds.
Tense Forms
Past: healed
Past Participle: healed
Conversation
I think some time away from everything could really heal my stress.
That sounds like a good idea! A little break can do wonders.
Yeah, I just want to find a way to heal and feel better.
Root Explanation
Heal → This word originates from Old English 'hǣlan', meaning to make whole or to cure. The term conveys the idea of restoring health or wholeness to someone or something.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'hǣlan' which means to make whole — this helps you remember that to heal means to restore someone to health.
Visually Confused Words
wheal
sheal
pheal
hemal
hal
whealy
upheal
unheal