cater
B2Neutral to formal; common in business, hospitality, and event contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to provide food, drink, and service at a social event, or to provide what is wanted or needed by a particular person or group.
To try to satisfy a need or demand, especially unreasonably; to pay special attention to someone or something; to supply provisions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically linked to providing provisions (e.g., 'caterer'). The verb can be intransitive ('cater for/to') or transitive ('cater an event'), especially in American English. Figuratively, it implies adapting to specific demands or tastes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English strongly prefers 'cater for' (needs/people) and 'cater to' (desires/whims). American English uses 'cater to' more broadly for both and commonly accepts the direct transitive use 'cater an event/wedding' without a preposition.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'cater to' can carry a slightly negative connotation of pandering or indulging. 'Cater for' is more neutral.
Frequency
The word is equally common in both dialects but with the prepositional distinctions noted.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[cater] + for + NP (BrE priority)[cater] + to + NP (AmE/BrE)[cater] + NP (direct object, AmE)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cater to every whim”
- “Cater for all tastes”
- “Leave someone well catered for”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to providing services for clients or meeting market demands (e.g., 'Our software caters to small businesses').
Academic
Used to discuss how policies or systems address specific groups (e.g., 'The curriculum caters for diverse learning styles').
Everyday
Common in event planning and hospitality (e.g., 'We need to cater for 50 guests').
Technical
In IT, can describe software/hardware compatibility (e.g., 'This port caters to legacy devices').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The hotel can cater for dietary restrictions.
- He refused to cater to their unreasonable demands.
- The conference centre caters weddings and other events.
American English
- The restaurant will cater the office luncheon.
- TV networks cater to a younger audience.
- We need a service that caters to our specific needs.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form).
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form).
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'catering' as in 'catering industry').
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'catering' as in 'catering service').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school cafeteria caters for many children.
- Does this shop cater to tourists?
- We hired a company to cater our anniversary party.
- The new policy caters for people with disabilities.
- The magazine caters to a niche readership interested in vintage cars.
- It's impossible to cater for every eventuality in the initial plan.
- The politician was accused of catering to the basest instincts of the electorate.
- Our bespoke service caters exclusively to high-net-worth individuals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WAITER bringing a CAKE. A 'cater-er' brings food (like cake) to an event.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROVIDING IS NOURISHING (even for non-food needs). DEMANDS ARE APPETITES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'организовывать кейтеринг' in all contexts. For figurative use, 'удовлетворять потребности' or 'подстраиваться под' are better.
- Do not confuse with the similar-sounding 'category' (категория).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cater' without a necessary preposition in BrE (e.g., 'We will cater the party').
- Confusing 'cater for' (neutral provision) with 'cater to' (often indulgent).
- Misspelling as 'cator' or 'caterer' (noun) for the verb.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, which preposition is most neutral for 'provide what is necessary'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin is in food provision, it is widely used figuratively to mean providing for any need or demand (e.g., catering to a market, catering for special interests).
Generally, 'cater for' means to provide for or take into account (neutral/planning). 'Cater to' means to satisfy a need or desire, often with a hint of indulgence (e.g., 'catering to every whim'). American English uses 'cater to' more broadly.
Yes, primarily in American English as a transitive verb meaning to provide food/service for an event (e.g., 'They catered the wedding'). In British English, a preposition ('for' or 'to') is usually required.
The main noun is 'caterer' (a person/company that provides food). The activity/service is called 'catering' (e.g., the catering industry).