Word: starchy

Associations

The word "starchy" describes foods that contain a lot of starch, which is a carbohydrate. Starchy foods are usually filling and are often found in many diets.

• Example 1: "Potatoes are starchy vegetables." (This means potatoes contain a lot of starch and can make you feel full.)
• Example 2: "Rice is a staple food in many countries because it is starchy." (Here, it highlights how rice is commonly used for its high starch content.)
• Example 3: "Bread is often considered a starchy food." (This indicates that bread is rich in starch.)

A well-known synonym for "starchy" is "carbohydrate-rich." However, "starchy" is more specific as it refers particularly to foods with starch, while "carbohydrate-rich" may include sugars and fibers as well.

Substitution

Instead of "starchy," you could use:

• "carbohydrate-filled," which emphasizes the general idea of containing carbs but not specifically starch.
• "filling," which focuses on how satisfying the food is, rather than its nutrient content.
• "heavy," which suggests that the food might make you feel full but does not indicate the specific type of nutrient.

Deconstruction

The word "starchy" comes from "starch," which is the root word. Starch itself comes from the Old English "styrce." The suffix "-y" is used in English to turn a noun into an adjective, meaning "having the quality of." Thus, "starchy" means "having the quality of starch."

Historically, during the agricultural revolution, starchy foods like grains became staple foods because they provide a lot of energy.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a meal that includes starchy foods? What do you usually feel after eating it?
• How do you feel about starchy foods? Do you enjoy them or do you try to avoid them?
• Have you ever noticed how starchy foods can keep you full for a long time? Can you share an experience related to that?