meals - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
meals Word Meanings
- a portion of food eaten at one time
- an occasion when food is eaten
- food served on a plate
meals Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
meals Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/miːl/
US
/mil/
meals Word Etymology
Meal = meol (from Old English) meaning 'a portion of food'. Historical origin: Old English → Middle English → Modern English. Memory image: A strong family gathering around a table with a steaming pot, sharing a 'meal' together symbolizes nourishment and togetherness.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
First I move the plate toward the edge of the table and set the lid aside just a touch. I hold the napkin, then push the first bite forward with careful attention and feel a small shift in hunger. I adjust my pace, keep the conversation light, and decide which bite to take next. This tiny ritual builds into a meal, a moment when simple food and the day rise and settle together.
Real Context
Meal is more than the food on your plate; it's a moment when people come together to eat. In English, we use meal to refer to a portion of food eaten at one sitting, such as a 'large meal' or 'a light meal.' It also covers the occasion itself, for example 'we had a meal with friends' or 'the meal was prepared for a celebration.' You can describe what's on the table by saying 'The meal looks ready' or 'We enjoyed a hearty meal.' The word describes both the food and the act of eating at a particular time, and it often carries social or cultural meanings—sharing a meal expresses hospitality, care, and connection across many communities.
Usage Reminders
- - Use meal for both the food and the eating occasion.
- - Pair with size adjectives: big meal, small meal.
- - Remember related phrases: have a meal, share a meal.
- - Don’t use meal to mean a single dish; use dish for one item.
- - Distinguish meal from break or snack contexts by time or event.
- - Watch cultural expectations: some cultures emphasize communal meals.
Common Misconceptions
- Meal is the same as a dish or the entire menu.
- Meal always means dinner or the main meal of the day.
- Meal can only refer to food, not the occasion of eating.
- You can use meal to refer to any food you eat during the day (snacks, small bites).
- Meal and break are interchangeable synonyms.
Thinking Differences
English often treats meal as a flexible unit that can refer to the food itself, the time of eating, or the social occasion. learners tend to over-generalize to single dishes or to use meal as a synonym for food in all contexts.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: big meal, light meal, ready meal.
- Distinguish meal from dish (one item) and from food (general concept).
- Use meal with time cues: breakfast, lunch, dinner, mealtime.
- Practice with social contexts: family dinners, dinner parties, picnics.
- Remember cultural nuance: sharing a meal often signals hospitality.
- Listen for rhythm: ‘a meal’ vs ‘meals’ in plural contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'meals'?
A.A type of footware
B.Food that is prepared and eaten
C.The act of reading
D.A musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'meals' correctly?
A.Their meals consist of vegetables only.
B.He plays the piano during his meals.
C.She reads meals before going to bed.
D.The flowers bloom beautifully in the meals.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'meals'?
A.Dishes
B.Table
C.Chair
D.Sky
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'meals'?
A.Snacks
B.Hunger
C.Fruits
D.Herbs
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'meals' is relevant?
A.She prepared food for her guests at the party.
B.They enjoyed their meals together at the restaurant.
C.He decided to skip lunch today.
D.They watched a movie after dinner.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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