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Dine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dine

[daɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

eating

To eat dinner.

Synonyms

consume, eat, feast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dine

To dine is often used in more formal settings, such as when going out to a restaurant or having a special meal. It implies a certain level of sophistication or elegance.

  • They will dine at the new Italian restaurant tonight.
  • We dined by candlelight in the cozy restaurant.
eat

Eat is the most general and commonly used word for taking in food. It can be used in any context, from casual to more formal situations.

  • I usually eat breakfast at 7 a.m.
  • She eats a lot of vegetables every day.
feast

Feast is used when referring to a large and elaborate meal, often in a celebratory context. It implies abundance and a variety of foods, and is typically used for special occasions.

  • We had a feast to celebrate reaching the top of the mountain.
  • The holiday feast included turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.
consume

Consume is a more technical or formal term for eating or drinking, often used in scientific or business contexts rather than casual conversation. It can also refer to the intake of non-food items like resources or information.

  • Humans consume both meat and plants.
  • The engine consumes less fuel than its predecessor.

Examples of usage

  • Let's dine at that new restaurant tonight.
  • She dined with her colleagues after the conference.
Context #2 | Noun

formal meal

A formal evening meal, typically one in which a main course is served.

Synonyms

banquet, feast, meal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dine

Used in more formal situations, often indicating a special or planned event rather than a casual meal.

  • We will dine at the new French restaurant tonight
meal

A more general term that can be used for any eating occasion — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is neutral and can be casual or formal.

  • They shared a meal together in the cozy kitchen
feast

Implicates a large, lavish meal often associated with celebration, holidays, or festivals. It implies abundance and variety of food.

  • We had a feast for Thanksgiving with multiple dishes and desserts
banquet

Refers to a large formal meal for many people, typically for a special occasion such as a wedding or a gala.

  • The company hosted a banquet to celebrate the anniversary

Examples of usage

  • The hotel offers a fine dining experience for its guests.
  • They had a romantic candlelit dine by the beach.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, dining is a social event where family and friends gather, emphasizing community.
  • Formal dining settings often involve specific etiquette and courses, influencing social interactions.
  • Certain cuisines celebrate dining with elaborate traditions, like family-style meals in Italian culture.

Literature

  • In classic literature, scenes of dining often symbolize abundance, happiness, or camaraderie among characters.
  • Dining events frequently appear in novels to advance the plot or develop relationships between characters.
  • Notable writers, like Charles Dickens, depicted meals vividly, reflecting on society and class.

Psychology

  • Dining experiences can evoke emotions; for example, shared meals often promote feelings of well-being and bonding.
  • Research suggests that the ambiance of dining environments can significantly affect our mood and appetite.
  • Mindful dining, focusing on the food and the experience, can enhance enjoyment and promote healthier eating habits.

Pop Culture

  • Dining out has been popularized in many TV shows and films, often highlighting the joy of food among friends.
  • Cooking shows inspire people to dine at home, showcasing recipes that elevate everyday meals into special occasions.
  • The concept of 'dining experiences' has led to many unique restaurants where the meal becomes part of the entertainment.

Origin of 'dine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'diner', which means to have a meal.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled as 'dinen', showing its evolution through time.
  • The original meaning in Old French referred to the first meal of the day and evolved to dinner later.

The word 'dine' originated from the Old French word 'diner', meaning 'to have dinner'. It has evolved over time to refer to both the act of eating dinner and a formal evening meal. The concept of dining has been an integral part of social gatherings and celebrations throughout history, with different cultures adding their own traditions and customs to the practice.

See also: diner, dinner.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,559, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.