feast - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
feast Word Meanings
- a large meal with many dishes
- a celebration with food and drink
- to enjoy a large meal enthusiastically
feast Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
feast Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/fiːst/
US
/fiːst/
feast Word Etymology
Feast comes from the Old French 'feste' and Middle English 'feste' meaning a celebration. The root decomposes into 'fest' (from Latin 'festivus' - joyful) linked to joy. Imagine a grand celebration where people gather around an overflowing table, sharing laughter and a bounty of dishes.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Feast is both a noun and a verb that centers on abundance and enjoyment of food. As a noun, it refers to a large, often festive meal with many dishes, typically shared to mark an event or celebration. As a verb, to feast means to eat a lot or to take great pleasure in much food, sometimes with a sense of indulgence. The word carries connotations of generosity, hospitality, and social gathering, rather than a simple act of eating. In English, you can also say feast your eyes or feast on something to imply intense enjoyment of any rich experience, not just food.
Usage Reminders
- Feast is both a noun and a verb; use it accordingly.
- A large meal is a feast; you can host a feast or attend a feast.
- To feast on something means to enjoy it greatly, not necessarily food.
- Feast your eyes is an idiom meaning to look at something with great pleasure.
- Avoid describing ordinary meals as feasts; reserve the word for abundance and celebration.
Common Misconceptions
- Feast is only about fancy, formal banquets.
- Feast cannot be used as a regular verb for eating.
- Feast and festival are exact synonyms.
- Feast always means unbounded, unlimited eating.
- Feast implies scarcity or famine.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate feast into concrete events (a large meal) and abstract pleasures (feast your eyes), while learners often mix up the noun and verb forms or misapply idioms. Pay attention to collocations like host a feast and feast on, and distinguish festive meals from everyday eating.
Learning Tips
- Memorize key collocations: host a feast, feast on, feast your eyes.
- Practice switching between noun and verb forms in context.
- Use idioms in context to avoid literal translations.
- Compare feast with festival to see nuanced differences.
- Note that feast can describe non-food pleasures in metaphor.
- Read/watch examples from celebrations to hear natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'feast'?
A.A fast
B.A celebration
C.A marathon
D.A concert
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'feast' used correctly?
A.She decided to fast during the feast.
B.The concert was a feast of different music genres.
C.He ran a feast to raise money for charity.
D.The family gathered to feast on delicious food.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'feast'?
A.Drought
B.Banquet
C.Famine
D.Spar
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'feast'?
A.Plentiful
B.Starve
C.Satisfy
D.Nourish
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you most likely encounter a 'feast'?
A.During a wedding reception
B.At a funeral
C.In a library
D.At a swimming pool
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