Dine: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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 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.

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

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

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

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