Gourmet: meaning, definitions and examples

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gourmet

 

[ ˈɡʊrˌmeɪ ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

food lover

A gourmet is a person who is knowledgeable and passionate about fine food and drink, often seeking out unique and high-quality culinary experiences.

Synonyms

connoisseur, epicure, foodie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gourmet

Suitable for referring to someone who has refined taste in food and enjoys high-quality, often expensive meals. It can also describe expensive and high-quality foods.

  • She is a gourmet who only dines at the finest restaurants in the city.
  • They offer a selection of gourmet cheeses and wines.
foodie

Perfect for referring to someone who has a strong interest or enthusiasm for food, but without the necessity of deep expertise or preference for high-end cuisine. It is a more casual term.

  • He's a foodie who loves trying new recipes and exploring different cuisines.
  • There is a big foodie community in this city that shares restaurant recommendations.
epicure

Ideal for describing someone who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink and is very particular about the quality. It's often linked to indulgence in sensory pleasures.

  • An epicure, she spends her weekends exploring new gourmet restaurants.
  • The novel's main character is an epicure who indulges in luxury at every opportunity.
connoisseur

Best used when talking about someone who has expert knowledge and critical judgment in a specific field, not limited to food. It implies a deep appreciation and understanding.

  • He is a connoisseur of fine arts and can discuss paintings in great detail.
  • As a wine connoisseur, she can identify the origin of a wine with a single sip.

Examples of usage

  • John considers himself a gourmet and loves trying out new restaurants.
  • Samantha's gourmet tastes led her to explore different cuisines from around the world.
Context #2 | Adjective

related to fine dining

Gourmet can also be used to describe high-quality, luxurious, or sophisticated food and drink items.

Synonyms

high-end, luxurious, upscale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gourmet

Used to describe high-quality and often expensive foods and beverages that are prepared with expert skill.

  • They had a gourmet meal at the new French restaurant
  • She enjoys cooking gourmet dishes for her family
luxurious

Used to describe something extremely comfortable, elegant, or expensive, often reflecting a lifestyle of wealth and privilege.

  • They stayed at a luxurious resort on their honeymoon
  • Her new car has luxurious leather seats and a premium sound system
upscale

Relates to high social status or wealth, often describing places such as neighborhoods, restaurants, and shops that cater to affluent people.

  • They moved to an upscale neighborhood with beautiful homes
  • The city is known for its upscale shopping districts
high-end

Refers to products or services that are of superior quality and come with a higher price tag. It is commonly used in context of luxury goods, electronics, or fashion.

  • He prefers high-end smartphones for their advanced features
  • The hotel's high-end amenities make it a favorite among business travelers

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant's gourmet menu featured exquisite dishes prepared by a renowned chef.
  • She bought a box of gourmet chocolates as a special treat for her friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "gourmet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gourmet

🇮🇳 सुस्वादु (susvādu)

🇩🇪 Feinschmecker

🇮🇩 gourmet

🇺🇦 гурман

🇵🇱 smakosz

🇯🇵 グルメ (gurume)

🇫🇷 gourmet

🇪🇸 gourmet

🇹🇷 gurme

🇰🇷 미식가 (misikga)

🇸🇦 ذواق (dhawaq)

🇨🇿 gurmán

🇸🇰 gurmán

🇨🇳 美食家 (měishí jiā)

🇸🇮 gurman

🇮🇸 gúrmei

🇰🇿 гурман

🇬🇪 გურმანი (gurmani)

🇦🇿 qurman

🇲🇽 gourmet

Etymology

The term 'gourmet' originated in France in the 19th century, originally referring to a wine merchant. Over time, it evolved to describe someone with refined tastes in food and drink. The concept of gourmet dining became popular in the late 20th century, with a focus on quality ingredients and expert preparation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,018, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.