Prepackaged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prepackaged
[priหหpรฆkษชdสd ]
Definitions
food products
Prepackaged refers to items that are packaged beforehand, typically in a factory or commercial production setting, rather than being prepared on-site. This term is commonly used in relation to food products that are ready to be consumed without any additional preparation. Prepackaged foods can include snacks, meals, and beverages that are sealed and sold in retail outlets. The convenience of prepackaged items makes them popular among consumers, especially those with busy lifestyles.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I bought some prepackaged salads for lunch.
- The supermarket has a variety of prepackaged meals.
- Prepackaged snacks are great for road trips.
- They offer prepackaged ingredients for quick home cooking.
goods
In a broader sense, prepackaged can also describe any goods that are packaged in advance and sold as is. This includes various consumer products that do not require further assembly or preparation by the consumer. The term emphasizes the idea of convenience and ready-to-use formats, appealing to a market that values efficiency.
Synonyms
constructed, prefabricated, ready-made.
Examples of usage
- We found some prepackaged electronics at the store.
- They sell prepackaged toys during the holidays.
- The company specializes in prepackaged household items.
- Prepackaged gifts are available for easy shopping.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary Trends
- Prepackaged meals often include frozen dinners, salads, and snacks, catering to various dietary needs.
- In recent years, there's been a boom in healthy prepackaged options, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Meal kits are a modern twist, packaging fresh ingredients with recipes, allowing cooking without excessive prep.
Cultural Impact
- Prepackaged foods have affected family cooking traditions, leading to increased reliance on store-bought meals.
- They are often associated with fast-paced lifestyles, especially in urban areas where convenience is key.
- Marketing of these items often focuses on convenience and time-saving strategies, especially for working families.
Health and Nutrition
- While convenient, some prepackaged foods can be high in preservatives, sodium, and sugar.
- Nutritionists often advise to read labels carefully to avoid unhealthy additives in these products.
- Thereโs an increasing demand for organic and wholesome prepackaged options as public awareness of health issues rises.
Environmental Concerns
- Prepackaged foods often come with a significant amount of packaging waste, raising environmental concerns.
- Some brands are innovating with biodegradable or recyclable packaging in response to these concerns.
- Consumer awareness of plastic use is influencing a move towards sustainable packaging solutions in the industry.
Origin of 'prepackaged'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'pre-' meaning before, and 'packaged', which refers to items that have been put into a container.
- It became popular in the mid-20th century, aligning with the rise of convenience foods to meet busy lifestyles.
- The concept reflects a shift in consumer culture, emphasizing speed and simplicity in meal preparation.
The word 'prepackaged' is derived from the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before,' combined with the term 'packaged,' which is the past participle of 'package'. The origins of the term โpackageโ can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, deriving from the Middle French 'pacquet', which means 'a small bundle'. Over time, the concept evolved to encompass a wider range of items that are assembled and sealed for sale. The blending of these two parts to form 'prepackaged' likely emerged in the late 20th century as the demand for convenience in consumer goods, especially food, grew significantly. This was particularly true in supermarkets, where ready-to-eat meals and snacks became prevalent. The use of prepackaged goods reflects a societal shift towards fast-paced lifestyles, leading to an increased focus on convenience and efficiency in shopping and meal preparation.