soup - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
soup Word Meanings
- a liquid dish typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables
- a nutritious broth or liquid base for meals
- a metaphorical term for a mixture or chaotic situation
soup Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
soup Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/suːp/
US
/sup/
soup Word Etymology
The word 'soup' comes from the Latin 'supa', meaning 'broth', where 'sup-' relates to 'soaking' and 'pa' refers to 'food'. This evolved through Middle French 'soupe' into English. Imagine a steaming bowl of soup that warms you up on a cold day, representing nourishment and comfort.
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
I lift the lid and move the spoon through the steam, feeling heat bloom on my fingertips. As I push the broth with the spoon, I adjust the salt and turn the handle of the pot in slow circles. Steam fogs my glasses and the color shifts from pale to a warm, inviting hue. In that small motion, the idea of soup settles in as a comforting, everyday thing you eat when you need warmth and ease.
Real Context
Soup is a versatile English word referring to a warm, edible liquid dish usually made by simmering meat, fish, vegetables, or grains in water or stock. It can serve as a starter or a comforting main, and cooks often vary the base with herbs and spices to create nourishment quickly. Beyond food, soup is used metaphorically to describe a mixture or chaotic situation, such as a soup of emotions or a political soup of competing interests. Learners should note that soup is typically uncountable when speaking generally about the dish, but becomes countable when referring to a bowl or specific variety, as in tomato soups.
Usage Reminders
- Use a bowl of soup for a countable reference; talk of soup in general as uncountable. Some soups are thick; others are clear broth. 'Soups' is the plural form when you mean multiple varieties. Be mindful of idioms like 'in the soup' (in trouble). Distinguish soup from broth and stew in context. When describing taste or texture, use adjectives like hearty, creamy, or brothy.
Common Misconceptions
- Soup is always a clear liquid; many soups are thick or chunky.
- Soup and broth are the same thing; broth is just a base, not a finished dish.
- All soups are served hot; some are served cold like gazpacho.
- Soup cannot be used to describe complex situations; it cannot be metaphorical.
- Soup is always a starter; it cannot be a main course.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice countable vs uncountable usage with examples
- Distinguish soup from broth and stew in context
- Note regional soups like gazpacho are served cold
- Use 'a bowl of soup' when counting servings
- Learn common idioms and be aware of variations
- Describe texture with adjectives like creamy or chunky
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'soup'?
A.A small handheld tool used for cutting or carving
B.A liquid food made by combining ingredients such as meat or vegetables with stock, water, or milk
C.A type of footwear worn for formal occasions
D.An official document granting permission to travel
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'soup' correctly?
A.She warmed the soup on the stove before dinner.
B.He used a soup to tighten the bolts under the car.
C.They painted the soup blue before hanging it on the wall.
D.Please soup the report and send it to the manager.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'soup'?
A.broth
B.dessert
C.jacket
D.instrument
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'soup'?
A.liquid
B.solid food
C.beverage
D.broth
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario where you might use this word aloud?
A.Putting on a thick coat before going outside in the rain.
B.Ordering a warm bowl at a restaurant when you're feeling ill.
C.Filling a toolbox with wrenches and screwdrivers.
D.Typing an email to request a meeting time.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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