cate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ArchaicArchaic / Literary
Quick answer
What does “cate” mean?
An obsolete or archaic term for a choice dainty, delicacy, or a tasty dish of food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An obsolete or archaic term for a choice dainty, delicacy, or a tasty dish of food.
Primarily encountered in historical or poetic contexts to refer to provisions or foodstuffs, especially those considered rare or high quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary regional differences exist for this archaic term.
Connotations
Evokes a Renaissance or medieval setting. Connotes luxury, feasting, or old-world charm.
Frequency
Equally obsolete in both varieties. May be marginally more recognized in UK contexts due to greater emphasis on Shakespeare in core education.
Grammar
How to Use “cate” in a Sentence
[Subject] provided/served choice cates.The [noun phrase: banquet, feast] featured exotic cates.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cate” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Tudor feast was renowned for its exotic cates.
- Marlowe's characters often banquet on the finest cates.
American English
- The historical reenactment featured tables groaning with cates.
- In the poem, the lord offered his guests rare cates from the East.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cate”
- Using it as a singular countable noun in modern context (e.g., 'a cate').
- Using it to refer to modern fast food or ordinary meals.
- Confusing it with the name 'Cate' or the prefix 'cata-'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic word. You will only encounter it in historical texts, poetry, or deliberate archaisms.
No, it would sound very odd and pretentious. Use 'delicacy', 'treat', or 'fine food' instead.
In its primary historical usage, it is almost always found in the plural form 'cates'. The singular 'cate' is exceedingly rare.
It originates from an obsolete form of 'acate' or 'achat', meaning 'purchase' (from Old French), reflecting that these were special purchased items, not homegrown staples.
An obsolete or archaic term for a choice dainty, delicacy, or a tasty dish of food.
Cate is usually archaic / literary in register.
Cate: in British English it is pronounced /keɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /keɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Cates and ale' (a phrase denoting good food and drink).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fancy **plate** of food from a **Kate** (as in Catherine) the Great's banquet – a **cate**.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS RARE FOOD (The term maps the concept of luxury onto specific, high-quality food items).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'cates' be most appropriately used today?