gula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Academic/Literary/Formal)Formal, literary, religious, and academic contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “gula” mean?
A craving or insatiable desire for food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A craving or insatiable desire for food; gluttony.
One of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology, referring to over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink, or wealth. Can be extended metaphorically to an excessive desire for anything.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually no difference in usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Archaic, scholarly, or deliberately stylised. It evokes medieval moral philosophy or religious discourse.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely to be encountered in theological texts, historical analysis, or literary works than in modern prose.
Grammar
How to Use “gula” in a Sentence
[the/one's] gula (for [noun])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gula” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- His gula was his spiritual undoing.
- The sermon condemned the sin of gula alongside avarice.
American English
- Medieval texts often list gula as the first of the seven deadly sins.
- The monk's struggle with gula was a central theme of the chronicle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, philosophical, or literary studies discussing the seven deadly sins.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts; a term of moral philosophy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gula”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gula”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gula”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈɡʌlə/ (like 'gull'). The correct pronunciation has a long 'u' (/juː/).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'gluttony' or 'overeating' would be more appropriate.
- Confusing it with 'gullah' (a language/culture).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and mostly confined to formal, religious, or academic writing about the seven deadly sins.
They are synonyms, but 'gula' is the formal, often Latin-derived term used specifically in theological and historical contexts, whereas 'gluttony' is the standard modern English word.
Typically /ˈɡjuːlə/ (GYOO-luh), with a long 'u' sound as in 'cute'.
Yes, in its extended theological sense, it can metaphorically represent an excessive and spiritually harmful desire for anything, though its primary reference is to food and drink.
A craving or insatiable desire for food.
Gula is usually formal, literary, religious, and academic contexts. not used in everyday conversation. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is used as a formal/literary term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'GULA' written on a giant, empty GULlet, representing an insatiable appetite.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL FAILURE IS A DISEASE / EXCESS IS A BURDEN / APPETITE IS A BEAST
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gula' MOST appropriately used?