Mouthful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mouthful
[ˈmaʊθfʊl ]
Definitions
in a restaurant
An amount of food that fills your mouth completely, usually a large bite or mouthful.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mouthful |
Used when referring to a large amount of food or drink that fills one's mouth at one time. Often used to indicate difficulty in speaking or swallowing because of the bulk.
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| bite |
Used to denote taking a small part or piece of something with the teeth. Can refer to food or a brief experience of something.
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| morsel |
Refers to a small, usually delectable piece of food. Often used to describe a small, tasty treat.
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| taste |
Can be used to describe the sensation of flavor or a small sample of food. Also used to indicate trying something for the first time.
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Examples of usage
- She took a mouthful of spaghetti and then smiled at him.
- He tried to speak with a mouthful of sandwich, but it came out muffled.
in a conversation
A large amount of words said all at once, often without pausing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mouthful |
Best used to describe a long and complicated series of words or a large amount of spoken information at once. It can also refer to having a large amount of food in one's mouth.
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| rant |
Best used to describe a long, passionate, and often angry speech where someone complains about something. This term usually has a negative connotation.
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| lecture |
Typically used in an educational or formal setting where someone gives a long talk on a particular subject, often with an informative or instructive intent.
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| scolding |
Used when someone is being reprimanded or criticized harshly for their behavior or actions. This term is often directed towards children or subordinates and has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She gave him a mouthful when she found out about his lie.
- After being late for the third time, the boss gave him a mouthful about punctuality.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culture
- In some cultures, taking a large mouthful of food is a sign of eagerness or appreciation, showing you enjoy the meal.
- Many languages have their own expressions for a 'mouthful' of food, indicating the cross-cultural importance of both chewing and speaking.
- Food challenges in popular culture often focus on 'big mouthfuls', highlighting the entertainment value of eating contests.
Literature
- Writers often use 'mouthful' to describe lengthy, complex phrases that require careful pronunciation.
- In poetry, the term might describe verses that are rich in meaning but difficult to digest quickly.
- Children's books sometimes feature characters who struggle with mouthfuls, both in food and speech, to teach lessons about sharing and communication.
Psychology
- Research suggests that difficult or complex words can create cognitive overload, making 'mouthfuls' challenging for listeners.
- In social situations, using a 'mouthful' of difficult jargon can alienate rather than engage, highlighting the importance of clarity in communication.
- Studies in linguistics have shown that shorter words tend to be more easily processed by the brain, while long 'mouthfuls' require more effort.
Cuisine
- Food descriptions often use 'mouthful' to emphasize portion sizes in restaurants or cookbooks, suggesting a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Chefs create dishes that offer a perfect 'mouthful', ensuring flavors are balanced and enjoyable in each bite.
- Certain recipes may be dubbed 'mouthfuls' when they are crafted to be both flavorful and visually captivating.
Origin of 'mouthful'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'mouthful' comes from Middle English, where 'mouth' referred directly to the opening used for eating and speaking.
- It combines 'mouth' and 'full', illustrating a literal fullness of what you can hold in your mouth.
- The word first appeared in writing in the early 14th century, showing how long it has been part of the English language.
The word 'mouthful' originated in the late Middle English period, around the 15th century. It is a combination of the words 'mouth' and 'ful', indicating the fullness of the mouth. Over time, the word has evolved to represent both a physical amount of food and a figurative amount of words spoken.
See also: badmouth, mouth, mouthparts, mouthpiece, mouthwater, mouthwatering.