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Gruel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gruel

[ษกruหษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

a thin liquid food of oatmeal or other meal boiled in milk or water.

Synonyms

mush, oatmeal, porridge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gruel

Refers to the same thin, watery food made by boiling oats or other grains in water or milk. Often used in historical or literary contexts to describe simple food given to people in poor situations.

  • In the old workhouses, gruel was a common meal.
  • The soldiers in the trenches had to make do with gruel.
porridge

A general term for a thicker, warm cereal made from boiling grains like oats, barley, or rice. In many cultures, porridge is a common breakfast food and often has a comforting, nurturing connotation.

  • She made a warm bowl of porridge for the children.
  • Porridge is a staple breakfast in many parts of the world.
oatmeal

Commonly refers to a thicker, more nutritious breakfast dish made from oats, which are usually boiled in water or milk. It's often associated with health and can be customized with various toppings.

  • I have oatmeal with fruit every morning.
  • Oatmeal is known for its heart-healthy benefits.
mush

Describes a thick, soft, porridge-like consistency, often made from cornmeal or other grains. It can be used in various cuisines and is generally seen as filling and hearty. Sometimes used to describe food that has been overcooked to softness.

  • She made a bowl of cornmeal mush for breakfast.
  • The vegetables were cooked to a mush.

Examples of usage

  • He was served a bowl of gruel for breakfast.
  • The orphanage provided the children with a daily meal of gruel.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In Victorian England, gruel was often served to the poor and was considered a primary staple due to its low cost.
  • It appears in literature, notably in Charles Dickensโ€™ 'Oliver Twist,' where it symbolizes poverty and deprivation.
  • Many boarding schools in the past served gruel as a cheap form of nourishment for students.

Culinary Uses

  • Gruel can be made from various grains such as rice, oats, or barley, depending on availability.
  • In some cultures, it's still a part of the diet, often flavored with fruits or spices for added taste.
  • Variations of gruel are used in different cuisines worldwide, for example, in Chinese congee or Indian kanji.

Cultural References

  • Gruel has been portrayed in media as the food of the underprivileged, enhancing its association with hardship.
  • It is often used metaphorically to represent something insubstantial or lacking in quality.

Nutrition

  • While gruel is not particularly rich in nutrients, it can be fortified with other ingredients like milk or vegetables.
  • It serves as an easily digestible dish, especially for those recovering from illness.

Origin of 'gruel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'gruau,' meaning 'groats' or 'oats.'
  • Historically, the term was used to describe thin porridge, especially in medieval times.
  • In some dialects, it also refers to a type of meal made from different grains, not just oats.

The word 'gruel' originated from the Old French word 'gruell', meaning 'a coarse meal'. It was introduced into the English language around the 14th century. Gruel has been a staple food for many centuries, especially for those with limited resources. It is often associated with images of poverty and hardship due to its simple ingredients and bland taste.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,277, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.