regales - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
regales Word Meanings
- to entertain someone with stories or lavish hospitality
- to feast or provide a lavish meal
- to give something in a generous manner
regales Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
regales Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈɡeɪl/
US
/rɪˈɡeɪl/
regales Word Etymology
From Latin 'regalare' (to make regal) = 're-' (again) + 'galare' (to feast). The word originates from Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a grand banquet with flowing wine, inviting guests to enjoy lavish meals as if they were royalty.
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
Regale is a verb meaning to entertain someone with stories or lavish hospitality; to feast or provide a lavish meal; or to give something in a generous manner. It often carries a slightly playful or ceremonial tone and is more formal or literary than everyday talk. You might regale guests with tall tales at a dinner, or regale friends with a sumptuous feast, or regale a donor with gifts and honors. The word traces to Latin regalare (to make regal) and passed through Old French into English; its sense of royalty and generosity informs its use in modern speech.
Usage Reminders
- Use regale for entertaining someone with stories or lavish hospitality.
- Avoid regale for simple, quick favors; prefer more common verbs like entertain or treat.
- Reserve regale for formal, literary, or humorous contexts.
- Do not confuse with regal (royal) or regal- as a noun/adjective.
- Pair regale with vivid details to convey the grandeur of the hospitality.
Common Misconceptions
- Regale always means expensive meals; it can also be entertaining with stories.
- Regale is interchangeable with entertain in all contexts.
- Regale is a command or imperative form in modern usage.
- Regale refers only to royalty or aristocrats.
- Regale cannot be used in negative or casual contexts.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often think of regale as painting an image of generous, sometimes theatrical hospitality. It feels more literary than casual, so learners should avoid overusing it in everyday small talk where simple verbs like entertain or treat would suffice.
Learning Tips
- Practice both meanings: entertaining with stories and giving generous hospitality.
- Listen for regale in literary or formal contexts to identify tone.
- Pair with vivid details to convey grandeur.
- Distinguish regale from regal and other similar words.
- Use in past tense regaled when reflecting on a past event.
- Read/listen to aristocratic or travel-writing to see natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'regales' mean?
A.to scold someone
B.to entertain or amuse someone
C.to confuse someone
D.to ignore someone
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of the word 'regales':
A.He regales in his homework every night.
B.She regales her friends with stories at the party.
C.They regales the meeting with their silence.
D.I regales my breakfast every morning.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'regales'?
A.amuses
B.criticizes
C.sighs
D.ignores
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'regales'?
A.bore
B.entertain
C.encourage
D.delight
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might regale others?
A.A grandparent shares exciting stories of their youth.
B.A teacher tells a boring lecture.
C.A person sits quietly by themselves.
D.A waiter takes an order in silence.
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