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Candies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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candies

[หˆkรฆndiz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sweet treats

Candies refer to small pieces of sugar-based confectionery that come in various shapes, flavors, and colors. They are often enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.

Synonyms

confectionery, sweets, treats.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
candies

Used mainly in American English to describe small, sweet food items, often made of sugar and sometimes chocolate, usually enjoyed as snacks or treats.

  • She handed out candies during the Halloween party.
  • The store sells a wide variety of candies.
sweets

Commonly used in British English to describe candy and other sugary treats. It is used either singularly or plural forms.

  • Would you like some sweets?
  • The children love buying sweets from the corner shop.
confectionery

A more formal term used to describe sweet food items collectively, including candies, chocolates, and other sweet treats. This term is used in both British and American English.

  • The shop is famous for its high-quality confectionery.
  • He works in the confectionery industry.
treats

A general term used to describe any enjoyable food item that is consumed as a reward or luxury, not necessarily sweet. This term has a positive connotation.

  • The dog wagged its tail when given treats.
  • We always give the kids some treats on their birthdays.

Examples of usage

  • They bought a bag of assorted candies for the party.
  • She likes to have a few candies after dinner.
  • The children were excited to receive candies on Halloween.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, candies are given as gifts during celebrations, symbolizing joy and festivity.
  • Halloween in the United States is synonymous with trick-or-treating, where children collect candies from neighbors.
  • Some cultures have traditional candies, like Turkish Delight in the Middle East, which showcases regional flavors.

Health Perspectives

  • While candies provide quick energy due to sugar, they should be consumed in moderation to maintain health.
  • Excessive candy consumption is linked to dental issues and obesity, leading health officials to promote balanced diets.
  • There are sugar-free options available, allowing sweet lovers to enjoy candies without the same health risks.

Festivals

  • The 'Candy Festival' in South Korea celebrates sweet treats with parades, games, and, of course, lots of candies!
  • Carnivals often have candy booths, highlighting cotton candy and caramel apples as fun, sugary staples.
  • In Japan, 'Setsubun' involves throwing roasted soybeans, but candy is often included in celebrations as a symbol of good luck.

Science of Candies

  • The process of candy making often involves precise temperature control, affecting the texture and flavor of the final product.
  • Different types of candies, like gummies or hard candies, depend on varying sugar concentrations and cooking times.
  • The Maillard reaction, a chemical process that occurs in cooking, can enhance the flavor of some candies when caramelized.

Origin of 'candies'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'candy' traces back to the Arabic word 'qandi,' which means 'made of sugar.'
  • In medieval Europe, the term evolved from 'candium,' referring to sugar crystals created in kitchens.
  • The modern spelling was popularized in the 1600s as sweet treats became widely enjoyed across different cultures.

The word 'candies' originated from the Middle English word 'candi', which came from the Old French 'candi'. The term ultimately traces back to the Arabic 'qandฤซ' and the Persian 'qand'. The popularity of candies has grown over the centuries, evolving into a wide variety of confectionery enjoyed worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,157, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.