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Treat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฌ
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treat

[triหt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To give medical care or attention to; try to heal or cure.

Synonyms

attend to, care for, look after.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
treat

Use when referring to providing medical care or dealing with an issue in a specific way. It can also be used when giving someone a special gift or experience.

  • The doctor will treat the patient's infection with antibiotics.
  • He decided to treat himself to a fancy dinner for his birthday.
care for

Commonly used when expressing concern, affection, or maintenance, particularly over a period of time. Can imply a deeper emotional connection.

  • She cares for her younger siblings while their parents are at work.
  • He has always cared for stray animals in his neighborhood.
attend to

Appropriate for situations where close attention or immediate care is required, often related to responsibilities or duties.

  • The nurse will attend to the needs of the elderly patients.
  • I need to attend to some urgent emails before the meeting.
look after

Typically used for supervising or taking care of someone or something, often implying a protective role.

  • Can you look after my dog while I'm on vacation?
  • She looks after the children during the day.

Examples of usage

  • He was treated for a severe infection at the hospital.
  • The doctor treated the patient's symptoms with medication.
Context #2 | Verb

social

To behave towards or deal with in a certain way.

Synonyms

consider, handle, regard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
treat

Use 'treat' to refer to giving someone something special as a reward or experience. In such case, it's often associated with giving pleasure or enjoyment.

  • I will treat you to dinner tonight.
  • She treated herself to a day at the spa.
handle

Use 'handle' to describe dealing with a situation or managing something, often implying control or responsibility.

  • She knows how to handle difficult customers.
  • I need to handle these documents with care.
regard

Use 'regard' when expressing an opinion or feeling about someone or something, often in a formal or respectful context.

  • He is highly regarded in his field of expertise.
  • Many people regard honesty as the most important quality.
consider

Use 'consider' when talking about thinking about something carefully, often before making a decision.

  • Please consider my application for the job.
  • You should consider all options before making a decision.

Examples of usage

  • She always treats her employees with respect.
  • He treats everyone he meets as a friend.
Context #3 | Noun

food

A sweet or savory dish served as the last course of a meal.

Synonyms

delicacy, dessert, sweet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
treat

Can refer to any pleasant offering, not just food; often used to describe a reward or something special one gives or receives.

  • Let's go out for ice cream as a treat after the game.
  • Getting a day off work was a real treat.
dessert

Specifically used to describe the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.

  • Would you like some cake for dessert?
  • The restaurant has an amazing dessert menu.
delicacy

Refers to a rare or luxurious food item that is often expensive and considered high quality.

  • Caviar is considered a delicacy in many countries.
  • The chef prepared a special delicacy for the event.
sweet

Usually used to describe sugary foods in general; can also be used as a noun to refer to candies or small desserts.

  • I have a craving for something sweet.
  • She brought a box of sweets to share with everyone.

Examples of usage

  • We ordered a delicious chocolate cake for dessert after our meal.
  • The restaurant's specialty treat is their homemade ice cream.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often use the phrase 'treat yourself' to indicate indulging in something enjoyable.
  • The concept of a treat is prevalent during holidays and celebrations, often associated with special desserts or meals.
  • In children's literature, treats are often depicted as rewards for good behavior, reinforcing positive actions.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that giving yourself a treat can boost mood and enhance feelings of well-being.
  • The anticipation of a treat can release dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical in the brain, creating joy and excitement.
  • Treating oneself can be an important aspect of self-care, emphasizing the balance between enjoyment and responsibility.

Culinary Traditions

  • In many cultures, treats vary widely; for example, in Japan, mochi is a popular treat, while in the U.S., cookies and candies dominate.
  • Baked goods, candies, and pastries are common treats around the world, each culture adding its unique spin.
  • Festivals and celebrations often highlight special treats, like cakes on birthdays or special desserts during holidays.

Education

  • Teachers sometimes use treats as rewards for students to encourage good behavior and academic success.
  • Learning about healthy versus unhealthy treats can help children develop better dietary habits from a young age.
  • In classroom settings, providing treats can enhance social interaction among peers, fostering a sense of community.

Origin of 'treat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'treat' comes from the Old French 'traiter,' meaning to handle or to deal with.
  • It was originally used in English as a noun in the 15th century, referring to a banquet or feast.
  • Over time, 'treat' evolved to represent pleasurable experiences, especially in the context of food.

The word 'treat' originated from the Old English word 'tretan', meaning 'to negotiate, deal with, treat'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to medical care, social behavior, and food. The modern usage of 'treat' reflects its versatility in both practical and indulgent contexts.

See also: entreat, entreaty, maltreatment, mistreat, retreat, treated, treaties, treatise, treatment, treats, treaty, untreatable, untreated.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,687, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.