stomach
B1Neutral - appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The internal organ in the body where food is digested after being eaten.
1. The front part of the body between the chest and thighs; the abdomen or belly. 2. (Verb) To tolerate or endure something unpleasant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning refers to a specific organ, but in everyday language, it is often used synonymously with 'abdomen' or 'belly'. The verb meaning (to tolerate) is often used in negative contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. Both use the word identically for the organ and the verb meaning. Slight preference in the US for 'stomach' over 'tummy' in semi-formal contexts with children.
Connotations
The noun is neutral. The verb can carry a connotation of grudging or difficult tolerance.
Frequency
The noun is very high frequency. The verb is medium frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a stomach for [NP]stomach [NP] (verb)on an empty stomachin the pit of one's stomachVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “butterflies in your stomach”
- “have no stomach for something”
- “turn your stomach”
- “eyes bigger than your stomach”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal contexts about tolerating a difficult situation ('I can't stomach another merger').
Academic
Used in biological/medical contexts for the organ. The verb is rare.
Everyday
Very common for discussing digestion, hunger, pain, and tolerance.
Technical
Specific to anatomy and medicine (gastric, abdominal).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I can't stomach the thought of yet another meeting about the budget.
- He's so rude; I don't know how she stomachs him.
American English
- I couldn't stomach the greasy food after being sick.
- The committee won't stomach such a drastic policy change.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a pure adjective. 'Stomach' acts as a noun modifier: stomach pump, stomach ulcer, stomach cramps.
American English
- Same as British. Used in compound nouns: stomach cancer, stomach flu, stomach lining.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My stomach hurts.
- I eat breakfast on an empty stomach.
- He has a big stomach.
- The medicine should settle your upset stomach.
- I have butterflies in my stomach before the exam.
- She couldn't stomach the rich sauce.
- The sight of the accident turned my stomach.
- He lacks the stomach for a fierce political fight.
- The virus causes severe stomach cramps and nausea.
- Her criticism was hard to stomach, given her own poor performance.
- The documentary about factory farming is not for those with a weak stomach.
- He soldiered on, despite the knot of anxiety in the pit of his stomach.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STONE getting stuck in your MACHine (STO-MACH) of digestion – your stomach.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STOMACH AS A CONTAINER (for food, emotions); TOLERANCE IS DIGESTION (to stomach an idea).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'желудок' (which is correct) but be aware that Russian often uses 'живот' (abdomen/belly) where English might use 'stomach'. The verb 'to stomach' has no direct single-word equivalent; use 'выносить', 'терпеть', 'переваривать' (fig.).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stomach' as a countable noun for multiple organs (e.g., 'My stomachs hurt' – incorrect; 'My stomach hurts' is correct for one person). Confusing 'stomach' (organ) with 'abdomen' (general area).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'I have no stomach for this argument' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it commonly refers to the general abdominal area and is also a verb meaning 'to tolerate'.
'Abdomen' is the formal anatomical term for the entire body area. 'Stomach' is specifically one organ within it, though often used informally for the whole area.
Yes, but usually only when referring to the organs of multiple people or animals (e.g., 'The cows' stomachs are complex'). For one person, it's singular.
It is neutral but often used in negative or challenging contexts. More formal alternatives are 'tolerate', 'endure', or 'countenance'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.