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Beef Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beef

[biːf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

The flesh of a cow, bull, or ox, used as food. Beef is a popular choice for steaks, burgers, and stews.

Synonyms

burger, meat, steak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beef

Used as slang to describe a disagreement or conflict between people, often with a negative connotation.

  • He has beef with his coworker over the project
  • There's some beef between those two since last year
meat

A general term for animal flesh used as food. It's not specific to beef and can refer to any animal.

  • He doesn't eat meat at all
  • There are different types of meat available in the market
steak

Refers specifically to a thick slice of high-quality beef, usually cooked by grilling, broiling, or frying.

  • She ordered a sirloin steak for dinner
  • Cooking a perfect steak requires practice
burger

Commonly used when talking about a specific type of fast food, usually ground beef formed into a patty and served in a bun.

  • Let's grab a burger for lunch
  • They have the best cheeseburgers in town

Examples of usage

  • I'll have the beef burger, please.
  • She cooked a delicious beef stew for dinner.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A complaint or grievance.

Synonyms

complaint, dispute, grievance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beef

Use this word informally to express a minor or personal complaint, often between individuals.

  • She has a beef with him over the way he talks to people
complaint

This is a formal or informal expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance, commonly used in customer service or administrative contexts.

  • She filed a complaint with the management about the noise
grievance

This word is used for a formal distress or unfair treatment within an organizational context, often involving employee relations.

  • The employee filed a grievance against the company's unfair policies
dispute

Use this term for a serious disagreement or argument, often involving legal or formal procedures.

  • The neighbors are in a dispute over the property line

Examples of usage

  • He had a beef with his neighbor over the loud music.
  • She always has some beef with the management.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To complain or argue about something.

Synonyms

argue, complain, dispute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beef

Often used in informal settings to refer to a complaint or a problem someone has, especially in disputes or conflicts. It can have a slightly negative connotation when used this way.

  • He has a beef with his neighbor over the loud music
complain

Refers to expressing dissatisfaction about something, usually in a negative tone. It is used in both formal and informal settings.

  • She complained to the manager about the poor service
argue

Used in both formal and informal situations to describe expressing differing opinions or positions, often in a heated manner.

  • They argue about politics almost every day
dispute

Used in formal contexts to refer to a disagreement or argument, especially involving legal, political, or significant issues.

  • The contract dispute led to a lengthy court battle

Examples of usage

  • He's always beefing about the traffic.
  • Stop beefing and let's find a solution.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Beef is a staple in many cultures, with various cuts like ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin offering different flavors and textures.
  • Dishes like beef stew, pot roast, and barbecued ribs highlight the versatility of beef in cooking.

Nutrition

  • Beef is a source of high-quality protein and contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
  • However, consumption should be moderated due to its higher saturated fat content compared to other proteins.

Cultural Significance

  • Certain rituals and festivals around the world involve beef, such as the Argentine Asado, a popular barbecue gathering.
  • In the United States, hamburgers are a cultural icon and a symbol of fast food, showcasing beef's influence on modern cuisine.

Pop Culture

  • Beef is often slang for conflict or disagreement, as seen in songs and rap battles where artists might 'beef' with one another.
  • Famous beefs between celebrities, like rap feuds, often grab media attention and highlight the competitive nature of the entertainment industry.

Origin of 'beef'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'bovem', which means 'ox'. This evolved through Old French as 'beef', referring specifically to the meat.
  • In English, 'beef' has been used since the 14th century to refer to the meat of cattle rather than the animal itself.

The word 'beef' has its origins in Old French 'boef', which came from Latin 'bos' meaning 'ox' or 'cow'. The term has been used to refer to the meat of cattle for centuries, with beef being a staple food in many cultures around the world.

See also: bee.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,692, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.