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Foil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foil

[fɔɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

material

Thin sheets of metal, especially aluminum, used for wrapping food.

Synonyms

aluminum foil, tin foil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foil

Typically used to describe a thin sheet of metal or material that can be used for blocking or covering. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone or something that contrasts with another, often to highlight particular qualities.

  • He wrapped the leftovers in foil to keep them fresh.
  • In the story, the villain serves as a perfect foil to the hero.
aluminum foil

Specifically refers to thin sheets made of aluminum, commonly used in cooking or food storage to preserve freshness, heat, or flavor.

  • She covered the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
  • Aluminum foil is great for wrapping sandwiches to take on a picnic.
tin foil

Often used interchangeably with aluminum foil, although strictly speaking, it refers to a much older material originally made from tin. Modern usage generally means aluminum foil, but with an old-fashioned or informal connotation.

  • Grandma still calls it tin foil even though it's been aluminum for years.
  • Can you pass me the tin foil? I need to cover this dish.

Examples of usage

  • She wrapped the sandwich in foil before putting it in her bag.
  • The chef covered the dish with foil before placing it in the oven.
Context #2 | Verb

protect

Prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding.

Synonyms

defeat, frustrate, thwart, thwart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foil

Used when describing actions that prevent someone from achieving their goal, often in a clever or subtle manner.

  • The detective foiled the criminal's plan to rob the bank
  • His quick thinking foiled her attempt to cheat on the exam
thwart

Similar to 'foil', but often implies a stronger or more determined effort to prevent someone's plans from succeeding.

  • The hero thwarted the villain's plot to take over the city
  • Despite their best efforts, they were thwarted at every turn
frustrate

Describes a situation where plans or efforts are hindered, often leading to feelings of annoyance or dissatisfaction.

  • The heavy traffic frustrated their attempt to arrive on time
  • She was frustrated by the constant interruptions in her work
defeat

Commonly used in competitive situations such as sports, games, or war when one side wins over the other.

  • The team managed to defeat their opponents in the final match
  • The army defeated the enemy and claimed victory

Examples of usage

  • The security measures helped to foil the attempted robbery.
  • The detective managed to foil the criminal's plans before they could be carried out.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Foil is an excellent conductor of heat, which is why it's commonly used in cooking to distribute heat evenly.
  • The reflective surface of foil helps to retain warmth by reflecting heat back to the food, making it a great choice for baking.
  • It is also used in laboratories as a barrier to protect sensitive materials from light and moisture.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, foil has appeared as a tool in heist scenes where characters meticulously wrap valuables to ensure no damage occurs.
  • Foil costumes are popular in marathons and fun runs where participants dress in reflective materials to stand out visually.
  • Culinary shows often feature chefs using foil creatively, from wrapping fish to creating makeshift baking pans, showcasing its versatility.

Literature

  • Foils in literature often serve as contrasting characters, emphasizing distinctive traits and motivations, much like foil enhances food.
  • In Shakespearean plays, characters like Hamlet and Laertes act as foils to each other, showcasing their different responses to similar circumstances.
  • The concept of foil is used in poetry as well, where one image might serve to highlight or 'foil' another, creating deeper meaning.

History

  • Ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, used thin sheets of metal for decorative purposes long before modern culinary foil was created.
  • In the 1920s, aluminum foil became a popular packaging material, replacing tin foil, which had been used for decades prior.
  • World War II saw a significant rise in foil production as it became essential for rationing, preserving food, and packaging.

Origin of 'foil'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'foil' comes from the Latin 'folium,' meaning leaf, reflecting its thin, leaf-like quality.
  • Originally used in the 14th century, 'foil' referred to a thin layer of metal that enhanced the appearance of gemstones.
  • By the 18th century, the term began to be associated with wrapping and packaging, particularly in culinary contexts.

The word 'foil' originated in the 14th century from the Old French word 'fuler', meaning to full cloth. It was used in the sense of 'metal pounded or rolled into a thin flexible sheet' since the 15th century. The use of 'foil' as a means of thwarting or defeating something dates back to the late 16th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,806 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.