Cupful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cupful
[ˈkʌp.fəl ]
Definition
measure amount
A cupful refers to the amount that a standard cup can hold. It is commonly used in cooking and baking to measure ingredients. The term implies a specific volume, often used as a measurement for liquids or granular substances. Typically, a cupful is equivalent to 8 fluid ounces in the United States. Understanding this measure is essential for following recipes accurately.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Add one cupful of sugar to the mixture.
- She poured a cupful of water into the pot.
- The recipe calls for two cupfuls of flour.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Measurement
- In cooking, a cupful often refers to a unit of measurement, approximately 240 milliliters.
- Different cultures may have various standard cup sizes, affecting the quantity associated with a 'cupful'.
- The concept of a cupful helps standardize recipes for better cooking results.
Literature
- In literature, 'cupful' can symbolize abundance or overflowing emotions, often used metaphorically in poetry.
- Writers might use a 'cupful' to portray a sense of limit or boundary in a character's experience or feelings.
- In some classic novels, a cupful may represent comfort or domesticity, showcasing the importance of small joys.
Cultural Significance
- The cup is a common item found in various cultures, often representing hospitality and sharing when filled.
- Tea ceremonies in many cultures emphasize the cup's role in social bonding and community, often focusing on the cupful as a shared measure.
- In art, cups can symbolize different meanings such as abundance, nourishment, or even excess.
Psychology
- The act of pouring a cupful of comfort food can psychologically trigger feelings of safety and nostalgia.
- Research shows that the size of a container can influence perception of quantity, so a cupful might seem larger in a smaller cup.
- The concept of a cupful is often associated with balance; having just the right amount can lead to feelings of satisfaction.
Origin of 'cupful'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cup' comes from Old English 'cuppe', which means a drinking vessel.
- The suffix '-ful' means 'full of' or 'having a quantity of'. Together, they describe the quantity a cup can hold.
- This term has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe measurements.
The word 'cupful' is a compound noun formed by combining 'cup' and 'ful'. The term 'cup' originates from the Old English 'cuppe', which means a drinking vessel, itself derived from the Latin 'cupa', meaning 'tub' or 'cask'. The suffix 'ful' comes from Old English 'full', signifying 'full of', and it is used to indicate the contents or the quantity that can be held. The usage of 'cupful' became more prevalent in cooking and household measurements as standardized cooking methods developed. The concept of measuring ingredients by 'cupfuls' has been particularly popular in American recipes, reflecting the standardization of kitchen tools. This term now serves as a fundamental unit in both professional and home cooking contexts.