Fork Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fork
[fɔːk ]
Definitions
eating utensil
A fork is a tool used for eating, consisting of a handle with several narrow tines on one end. It is typically used to lift and move food to the mouth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fork |
Used to refer to a four-pronged eating instrument typically used for consuming solid food.
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| utensil |
A general term that can refer to any tool or instrument used for eating, cooking, or serving food.
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| silverware |
Refers to utensils made of, or looking like, silver. Often used to describe high-quality or fancy eating utensils.
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| cutlery |
Refers to all tools used for eating, including forks, knives, and spoons. Often used in formal or general contexts.
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Examples of usage
- I used a fork to eat my salad.
- She picked up the pasta with her fork.
road junction
In transportation, a fork is a place where one road or railway divides into two different directions.
Synonyms
intersection, junction, split.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fork |
As a noun, it can also refer to a utensil used for eating, consisting of a handle with several narrow, projecting, pointed parts.
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| junction |
This term is also used for places where roads meet but often implies a more complex or significant meeting point, such as in multi-lane highways or railway systems.
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| intersection |
This word is used to describe a place where two or more roads cross each other. It is commonly used in urban and traffic-related contexts.
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| split |
This word can describe the action of something dividing into two or more parts. It has an informal and sometimes negative connotation, often implying a forced or undesirable division.
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Examples of usage
- At the fork in the road, turn left.
- The train tracks forked off towards the mountains.
to divide or separate
To fork means to divide or split into two or more parts or directions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fork |
Used when referring to a road, river, or path that splits into two or more directions.
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| divide |
Commonly used when referring to splitting something into distinct parts or groups. Can be used in mathematical, social, or ideological contexts.
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| split |
Often used in scenarios where something is broken or cut into parts, can also imply a disagreement or a division between people. It can have a negative connotation when implying conflict.
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| separate |
Used when referring to the process of disjoining or splitting one entity into individual parts or units, often implying a physical or emotional distance.
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Examples of usage
- The river forks into two streams.
- The project forked into different directions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Forks were first used by ancient Romans, primarily for serving and cooking, rather than eating.
- The dining fork first became popular in Europe during the 16th century, with Italy leading the trend before spreading to France and England.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the fork is considered a symbol of civility and proper dining etiquette.
- Using a fork can differ from culture to culture; some places encourage using hands or chopsticks instead.
Science
- Eating with a fork can help reduce the amount of food consumed, contributing to portion control.
- Research shows that the shape and size of utensils, such as forks, can influence the perception of food taste.
Art and Literature
- Forks often appear in art, symbolizing division and choices, like paths we take in life.
- In literature, forks can represent the choices characters must make, akin to 'forks in the road' of their journeys.
Origin of 'fork'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'fork' comes from the Latin word 'furca', which means 'pitchfork' or 'forked instrument'.
- In Middle English, the term 'vorke' was used, which gradually evolved into the word we use today.
The word 'fork' originated from the Old English word 'forca', which meant a forked shape or instrument. It has been used in English since the 9th century to refer to a tool for lifting and eating food. The metaphorical use of 'fork' to describe a division or splitting point came later, around the 14th century.