Ate - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past tense

The word 'ate' is the past tense of the verb 'eat', which means to consume food. It implies that the action of eating has already taken place. This term is commonly used in conversations about meals and food-related activities. For example, one might say, 'I ate breakfast this morning.' It is an essential verb in English, especially when discussing past events or meals.

Synonyms

consumed, devoured, ingested.

Examples of usage

I ate lunch at noon.
She ate too much candy.
They ate dinner together last night.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sharing meals is a key part of social bonding and family gatherings.
Certain traditions involve symbolic foods, like eating grapes at midnight for good luck in Spain.
Food has the power to convey cultural identities; for instance, dishes often represent regional histories and customs.

Nutritional Science

Eating a variety of foods is important for a balanced diet, supplying necessary vitamins and minerals.
Studies show that mindful eating can improve digestion and satisfaction from meals.
Overeating on occasion can lead to discomfort but is typically balanced by the body's natural hunger cues.

Linguistic Usage

The past tense 'ate' is often used in storytelling to discuss past experiences related to food.
In English, 'to eat' can also convey different meanings, such as 'to consume' in various contexts, from meals to information.
Expressions like 'everyone ate up the news' show how the word can have metaphorical meanings beyond physical eating.

Psychology

The act of eating is often tied to emotional states, with people sometimes eating to cope with stress or boredom.
Food preferences are influenced by childhood experiences and can shape an individual’s eating habits into adulthood.
Research indicates that the context in which one eats—like company or environment—can greatly influence the quantity and quality of food consumed.

Origin of 'ate'

Main points about word origin

The word originated from Old English 'etan', which means 'to eat'.
Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *etaną, which relates to the act of consuming food.
Similar forms exist in many languages: for example, 'manger' in French and 'essen' in German.

The word 'ate' originates from the Old English 'etan', which means 'to eat or consume'. This root can be traced back further to Proto-Germanic '*etaną', and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European '*h₁ed-'. The evolution of the word through languages reflects changes in pronunciation and usage over centuries. In Middle English, it appeared as 'aten' before it settled into its modern form 'ate'. As a vital part of everyday language, 'ate' has maintained its core meaning while adapting to the various tenses and contexts within the framework of English grammar.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,144 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5141 issuing
5142 devotion
5143 conspicuous
5144 ate
5145 attorneys
5146 subjective
5147 participated
...

Ate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations