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Pot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pot

[pɒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cooking

A container, typically rounded or cylindrical and of ceramic ware or metal, used for cooking

Synonyms

kettle, pan, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pot

Use when referring to a deep, usually round container used for cooking or storing liquids or foods.

  • She boiled the water in a large pot.
  • The soup is simmering in the pot on the stove.
pan

Usually refers to a shallow, flat container, often with a handle, used for frying or cooking foods.

  • She cooked the pancakes in the frying pan.
  • The sauce is heating up in the sauté pan.
kettle

Typically used for a container, usually metal, with a lid, spout, and handle, used for boiling water.

  • He filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove.
  • The kettle whistled when the water was ready.
vessel

A formal term for any hollow receptacle, such as a bowl or cask, for holding something; often used in a more technical or artistic context.

  • The artist crafted a beautiful ceramic vessel.
  • In ancient times, vessels were used to store grains and liquids.

Examples of usage

  • She stirred the soup in the pot
  • The pot was boiling on the stove
Context #2 | Noun

gambling

The total amount of money bet in a poker game

Synonyms

jackpot, prize, winnings.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pot

Often used in poker or other gambling games to refer to the total money or chips that players are betting.

  • He won the pot with a full house.
  • The pot is getting really big.
jackpot

Refers to a large prize or reward, typically in lotteries or slot machines.

  • She hit the jackpot and won a million dollars.
  • Playing the lottery could make you win the jackpot.
prize

A general term for something won in a competition, contest, or lottery.

  • He won the first prize in the science contest.
  • The prize for the competition is a new car.
winnings

Total amount of money won, often from gambling, lotteries, or games.

  • Her casino winnings amounted to several thousand dollars.
  • He confessed to spending all his winnings in one day.

Examples of usage

  • He won the entire pot in the poker game
  • The pot was getting higher with each round
Context #3 | Noun

slang

Marijuana, especially of high quality

Synonyms

cannabis, marijuana, weed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pot

Informal context, often used in casual conversations or when speaking colloquially about cannabis.

  • He was caught smoking pot in the backyard
  • Some people use pot to relax after a long day
weed

Informal context, often used in casual or slang conversations. Usually carries a more relaxed tone.

  • They're planning to smoke some weed this weekend
  • He was caught with a small amount of weed
cannabis

Formal or medical context, often used in scientific research, legal discussions, or by health professionals.

  • Cannabis is used in some countries for medical purposes
  • The cannabis industry is growing rapidly
marijuana

General context, used in both formal and informal settings, but always with a straightforward meaning.

  • Marijuana has been legalized in many states
  • The effects of marijuana use vary from person to person

Examples of usage

  • He bought a pot from the dealer
  • They smoked a pot together

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a pot symbolizes home cooking and family gatherings, highlighting its importance in communal meals.
  • Certain pots, like clay pots in Hispanic culture, are essential for traditional dishes, emphasizing heritage.

Science

  • Different materials like metal, clay, and glass are used to make pots, affecting how heat is transferred to the food.
  • Cooking in a pot can change the chemical properties of food, enhancing flavors through the Maillard reaction.

Art and Craft

  • Pottery, the art of making pots, is a respected craft dating back thousands of years, showcasing culture and artistry.
  • Artists often use clay pots for decorative purposes, combining function with creativity and enhancing home aesthetics.

Pop Culture

  • Pots feature prominently in various cooking shows, emphasizing the importance of the right tools in preparing delicious meals.
  • The phrase 'cooking pot' has appeared in numerous idioms, like 'a melting pot,' illustrating blending cultures through food.

Origin of 'pot'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pottus,' which means 'a drinking vessel,' showing its use in ancient times.
  • It evolved through Old French and Middle English, illustrating the evolution of culinary terminology over centuries.

The word 'pot' has a long history in the English language. It can be traced back to Middle English, where it originally referred to a vessel for cooking or storing food. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings, including a container for plants, a receptacle for gambling money, and a slang term for marijuana. Today, 'pot' is a versatile word with multiple uses in both formal and informal contexts.

See also: potent, pothead, potpourri, pottery, potty.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,714, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.