Treat: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.