Tea Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต
tea
[tiห ]
Definitions
drink
A hot drink made by infusing the dried, crushed leaves of the tea plant in boiling water.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tea |
Used specifically for the drink made by soaking cured leaves of the tea plant in hot water. Commonly used in everyday conversations, cafes, and when discussing flavors and types of tea.
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| beverage |
A general term for any kind of drink. Appropriate in formal contexts or when discussing drinks in a broad sense.
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| infusion |
Primarily used in a formal or technical context to describe drinks made by soaking herbs, fruit, or tea leaves in hot water. It can refer to medicinal teas as well.
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| brew |
Often used to describe the act of making tea or coffee, or the tea or coffee itself once made. It implies a process and is less commonly used in casual conversation.
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Examples of usage
- Would you like a cup of tea?
- I prefer green tea over black tea.
mealtime
A light afternoon meal consisting typically of tea to drink, sandwiches, and cakes.
Synonyms
afternoon tea, refreshments, snack.
Examples of usage
- Let's have tea at 4pm.
- She prepares a lovely spread for tea.
British
A light afternoon meal consisting of sandwiches, cakes, and a pot of tea.
Synonyms
afternoon tea, cream tea, high tea.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tea |
A general term for the beverage made by steeping cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
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| high tea |
A more substantial meal than afternoon tea, traditionally served in the early evening and may include meats, bread, and other hearty foods. Sometimes confused with afternoon tea but distinct because of its heavier meal components.
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| afternoon tea |
A British tradition that typically involves drinking tea along with a light meal of sandwiches, scones, and pastries usually served between 3:30 to 4:30 PM.
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| cream tea |
A specific type of afternoon tea that includes scones, clotted cream, and jam, predominantly popular in the South West of England.
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Examples of usage
- Would you like to join me for tea?
- She hosts a lovely tea party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In British culture, 'afternoon tea' is a tradition that includes light snacks served with tea.
- Japanese tea ceremonies are highly ritualized events that emphasize harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
- In China, tea is not just a beverage, but a symbol of hospitality and is often offered to guests to show respect.
Health Benefits
- Some teas, like green tea, are renowned for their antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of some diseases.
- Herbal teas, although not made from traditional tea leaves, can provide various health benefits such as relaxation and improved digestion.
- Studies suggest that drinking tea regularly is associated with lower levels of stress.
Science of Tea
- The primary chemical compounds in tea that influence flavor and health are catechins in green tea and theaflavins in black tea.
- Tea leaves contain caffeine, which can provide an energy boost and improve focus.
- Temperature affects the extraction of flavor compounds: lower temperatures for green tea, higher for black tea.
Art and Literature
- Tea is a frequent subject in art, symbolizing calm and contemplation in various paintings.
- In literature, tea often represents social interaction, such as in Jane Austen's novels where characters gather over tea.
- The poem 'The Tea-Drinker's Song' celebrates the joys and virtues of sipping tea.
Origin of 'tea'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Chinese, where 'cha' refers to the drink made from leaves.
- In different parts of the world, the word for tea reflects regional usage; for example, 'chai' in India and 'te' in Spanish-speaking countries.
- The Dutch traders were responsible for introducing the word 'tea' to Europe in the 1600s.
The word 'tea' originated from the Chinese word 't'e' and was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century. It became popular in Britain during the 18th century due to the British East India Company's trade with China. Tea played a significant role in British culture, leading to the tradition of afternoon tea. Today, tea is enjoyed worldwide for its various flavors and health benefits.