What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
victual
Example
The army was well-stocked with victuals for their long march. [victual: noun]
Example
We need to victual ourselves for the winter by storing enough food. [victual: verb]
food
Example
I love trying new foods from different cultures. [food: noun]
Example
Let's go out for some Thai food tonight. [food: noun]
Example
I am so hungry, I need to find some food. [food: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Food is much more commonly used than victual in everyday language. Food is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and is used in both formal and informal settings. Victual is a more specialized and formal term that is less commonly used in modern language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between victual and food?
Victual is a more formal and archaic term that is typically used in formal or historical contexts. Food, on the other hand, is a more neutral and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.