Ready-made Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Ready-made

🍱

Add to dictionary

ready-made

[ˈrɛdiˈmeɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

meal preparation

Prepared in advance and available for immediate use, typically referring to food or meals.

Synonyms

packaged, pre-made, store-bought.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ready-made	Used to describe products, especially food, that are fully prepared and require no additional cooking or preparation. She bought a ready-made lasagna for dinner I prefer ready-made solutions for puzzles
pre-made	Typically used for items, particularly food, that have been prepared in advance to save time. It suggests that the items have been made previously and are available for immediate use. I bought a pre-made salad from the deli Pre-made dough can save a lot of time when making pizza
store-bought	Implies that an item, especially food, has been purchased from a store rather than made at home. This term is often used for comparison with homemade versions. Her cookies taste just like store-bought ones He prefers store-bought ice cream over homemade
packaged	Refers to items that are enclosed in a protective packaging, often implying that the product is intended for sale. The snacks were all packaged and ready for the trip Packaged goods are often more expensive due to the cost of packaging

Examples of usage

A ready-made meal
Ready-made sandwiches
Convenience foods are often ready-made for quick and easy consumption.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

In the art world, 'ready-made' refers to objects designated as art by the artist, famously used by Marcel Duchamp in his 1917 piece 'Fountain' which was just a urinal.
Duchamp's concept challenged traditional views of art, blurring the lines between art and everyday objects.
Ready-mades have influenced contemporary artists to think about everyday objects as potential art pieces.

Consumer Culture

In modern consumer culture, the concept of ready-made products is prevalent, enabling busy lifestyles by offering convenience.
Examples include ready-made meals, furniture, and even digital downloads, catering to a fast-paced society.
The growth of e-commerce has increased the availability of ready-made items, allowing instant gratification for consumers.

Psychology

The appeal of ready-made products often lies in the concept of saving time and reducing decision fatigue, which is attractive to consumers.
Cognitive ease suggests that people are more likely to choose options that require less effort, making ready-made items appealing.
This phenomenon relates to findings in behavioral economics about people preferring instant solutions over complex processes.

Fashion

Ready-made clothing revolutionized the fashion industry in the late 19th century, making stylish attire accessible to the general public.
The ready-to-wear market has greatly expanded, offering a diverse range of styles and sizes compared to custom tailoring.
Fashion weeks often feature collections that include ready-made lines, emphasizing the industry's shift towards accessibility.

Origin of 'ready-made'

Main points about word origin

The term 'ready-made' originated in the early 19th century, often referring to clothing that was prepared and available for immediate sale.
In French, the phrase 'prêt-à-porter' carries a similar meaning, indicating clothing that is ready to wear.
The use of the term expanded beyond clothing to various industries, denoting products that are available for immediate use.

The term 'ready-made' originated in the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the context of convenience and fast-paced lifestyles. It is commonly used in the food industry to describe meals or products that are prepared in advance for immediate consumption.