banket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency (B2-C1 level)Formal, celebratory, historical.
Quick answer
What does “banket” mean?
A large formal meal for many people, often involving speeches and held to celebrate a special event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large formal meal for many people, often involving speeches and held to celebrate a special event.
A lavish, sumptuous feast or meal; historically, the ceremonial presentation of food as entertainment for royalty or the aristocracy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in meaning. US usage may be slightly more associated with corporate or charity fundraising events ('charity banquet'). In UK contexts, it retains a stronger historical/ceremonial flavour (e.g., 'medieval banquet').
Connotations
Both: Formality, celebration. UK: Possibly more historical/traditional. US: Can be more pragmatic (e.g., 'awards banquet').
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, though the specific contexts of use may differ slightly as above.
Grammar
How to Use “banket” in a Sentence
[N] banquet[ADJ] banquet[V] a banquetbanquet for [NP] (a banquet for the diplomats)banquet in honour of [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “banket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The knights would banquet in the great hall after a hunt.
- They banqueted on venison and mead.
American English
- The society banquets annually to raise funds for scholarships.
- After the treaty was signed, the dignitaries banqueted late into the night.
adjective
British English
- The hotel's banquet facilities were fully booked for the season.
- She wore her banquet dress.
American English
- They ordered a banquet-size serving of lasagna for the team.
- The banquet menu featured steak and lobster.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Company end-of-year banquet, awards banquet for top performers.
Academic
Historical analysis of medieval banquets as displays of power.
Everyday
Discussing wedding plans: 'We've booked the hotel's banquet hall.'
Technical
Event management (banquet seating plans, banquet service styles).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “banket”
- Using 'banquet' for a small, informal meal with friends. *'We had a lovely little banquet at home.' (Incorrect - use 'dinner party' or 'meal').
- Using it as a common verb: *'We banqueted all night.' (Unnatural - use 'feasted' or 'had a big meal').
- Spelling confusion: 'banquette' is a padded bench, not a meal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A buffet is a style of meal service where guests serve themselves from a table. A 'banquet' refers to the large, formal event itself, which might be served as a sit-down meal or as a buffet.
While it exists as a verb (meaning to feast lavishly), it is very rare and literary in modern English. It's safer to use phrases like 'have a banquet', 'attend a banquet', or the verb 'feast'.
They are close synonyms. 'Banquet' strongly implies a planned, formal, and often ceremonial event. 'Feast' emphasizes the abundance and enjoyment of the food itself and can be less formal (e.g., 'a Christmas feast at home').
The correct English spelling is B-A-N-Q-U-E-T. 'Banket' is a common misspelling, likely due to the pronunciation where the 'n' and 'qu' sounds run together. The 'q' is always followed by 'u' in English.
A large formal meal for many people, often involving speeches and held to celebrate a special event.
Banket is usually formal, celebratory, historical. in register.
Banket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbæŋkwɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbæŋkwɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's no banquet, but... (it's not fancy but it's adequate)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BANKing executive celebrating a huge deal with a lavish BANQUET - both start with 'BAN' and involve lots of people and money.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELEBRATION IS A FEAST; SUCCESS IS A BANQUET; ABUNDANCE IS A TABLE LOADED WITH FOOD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'banquet' LEAST appropriate?