Morsel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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morsel

[ˈmɔːsəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

small piece

A morsel is a small piece or amount of food. It is typically used to refer to a small bite or portion of something edible.

Synonyms

bite, mouthful, nibble, snack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
morsel	Often used to describe a small piece of food, usually something special or particularly delicious. She savored every morsel of the gourmet meal
bite	Typically describes taking a small amount of food into the mouth, can be used for any type of food. He took a bite of the juicy apple
mouthful	Refers to the amount of food or drink that fills the mouth, often used to indicate a large amount taken in one go. She drank a mouthful of water after the spicy meal
nibble	Usually describes eating small bites lightly or slowly, often associated with snacks or light foods. The child nibbled on a piece of cheese
snack	Used to describe a small meal or food eaten between main meals, can be healthy or indulgent. He had a healthy snack of yogurt and fruit in the afternoon

Examples of usage

She savored every morsel of the delicious cake.
He offered me a morsel of cheese from his plate.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

small fragment

Morsel can also refer to a small piece or fragment of something, not necessarily food. It can be used to describe a tiny portion or snippet of an object.

Synonyms

fragment, particle, piece, shred, snippet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
morsel	Often used to describe a small piece of food or a treat. She took a morsel of bread The dog eagerly awaited a morsel of steak
fragment	Typically used to describe a small part that is broken off from something larger, not limited to food. A fragment of the ancient pottery was found He couldn't piece together the fragments of the broken vase
piece	A general term used to describe a portion of something, can refer to both food and non-food items. She handed me a piece of the puzzle I had a piece of cake for dessert
particle	Used to describe a very tiny piece of a substance, often on the microscopic level. Dust particles floated in the sunlight The scientist examined the particles under the microscope
snippet	Typically used to describe a small piece or brief extract from something larger, like information or text. She read a snippet of the article aloud The software provided a snippet of code for the function
shred	Typically used to describe something torn or cut into small pieces, often with a connotation of destruction or damage. He shredded the confidential documents The cheese was shredded and ready to use

Examples of usage

She found a morsel of paper in her pocket.
He picked up every morsel of broken glass from the floor.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In classic literature, characters often enjoy morsels to signify their wealth or hospitality, highlighting social connections.
The term appears in various idiomatic expressions, such as 'a morsel of wisdom', suggesting that small bits can hold great value.
Famous authors like Charles Dickens used the term to evoke imagery of hospitality and abundance in meals.

Culinary Traditions

In many cultures, serving morsels encourages sharing and bonding during meals, making dining a communal activity.
Tapas in Spain are essentially morsels of food designed for sharing, emphasizing friendship and socializing over food.
Morsels can also refer to small pieces of specialty foods like chocolate truffles or gourmet cheeses, allowing for sampling and exploration.

Psychology

The idea of enjoying morsels can trigger feelings of happiness and satisfaction, often linked to fond memories of meals shared with others.
Small portions are believed to help individuals savor food more consciously, leading to greater enjoyment and appreciation.
Research suggests that smaller bites may promote healthier eating habits, as they allow for better awareness of hunger and satiety.

Pop Culture

In TV shows, sharing morsels of food often symbolizes friendship or romantic interest between characters.
Cooking competition shows frequently highlight the presentation of morsels, emphasizing both taste and visual appeal.
Notable food blogs and influencers often spotlight 'morsels' of recipe tips or cooking advice, making the culinary world more accessible.

Origin of 'morsel'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'morsus', meaning 'a bite' or 'to bite'.
It entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting a time when sharing small portions of food was common.
Its first known use reflects a culture that valued both the sharing of meals and the concept of modest servings.

The word 'morsel' originated from the Latin word 'morsus', meaning 'a bite or mouthful'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a small piece of food or a tiny fragment of something. The usage of 'morsel' has been consistent in English language literature, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,579, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19576 tacked
19577 basil
19578 shuffle
19579 morsel
19580 warts
19581 visage
19582 writhing
...