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Sweetmeat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sweetmeat

[ˈswiːtˌmiːt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

candy, confection

Sweetmeat refers to a confection or sweet food, especially one made from fruit, nuts, or sugar. Historically, it can also denote a more general term for any sweet dish or dessert. In culinary contexts, the term often evokes rich and elaborate treats.

Synonyms

candy, confectionery, dessert, treat.

Examples of usage

  • She brought a selection of sweetmeats to the celebration.
  • During the festival, various sweetmeats were offered to the guests.
  • The bakery specializes in handmade sweetmeats from traditional recipes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • In medieval Europe, sweetmeats were often prepared for nobility and featured spices like cloves and cinnamon.
  • Certain sweetmeats, like candied fruits or marzipan, are still popular in festive celebrations around the world.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, sweetmeats are central to celebrations, weddings, and festivals, symbolizing joy and abundance.
  • Different regions have their own versions; for example, 'dessert' in French cuisine often includes various sweetmeats at the end of meals.

Literature

  • Classic literature often mentioned sweetmeats as a symbol of wealth and indulgence, reflecting the social status of characters.
  • In Shakespeare's works, references to sweetmeats underline the themes of love and desire, often associated with romantic encounters.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the term 'sweetmeat' has largely fallen out of common use, replaced by the broader term 'candy' or 'sweets'.
  • Sweetmeats are still made and cherished in specific cultures, showcasing traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Origin of 'sweetmeat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'sweetmete', which combined 'sweet' and 'meat', where 'meat' referred to food in general rather than just flesh.
  • Historically, 'sweetmeats' referred to rich delicacies, which included fruits and desserts, not limited to sugar confections.

The word 'sweetmeat' originates from the Middle English term 'swytemeat', which combines 'sweet' and 'meat'. In this context, 'meat' is derived from the Old English 'mete', meaning food or meal, rather than meaning flesh as it commonly does today. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe sweet dishes and pastries, reflecting the culinary practices of the time where sugar was a prized ingredient. It highlights how historical perceptions of food categorized items beyond the modern distinctions of meat and sweets. Although less commonly used in contemporary English, the word carries a rich history connected to the traditions of confectionery and dessert-making.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,120, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.