cates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareArchaic, Literary, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “cates” mean?
(Archaic) Delicacies or choice provisions of food, especially dainty dishes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(Archaic) Delicacies or choice provisions of food, especially dainty dishes.
In modern usage, it can be used humorously or self-consciously to refer to high-quality or luxurious food items, often in historical, literary, or whimsical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning or usage, as the word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, its use implies an educated, literary, or playful register. It may carry a slightly more 'quaint' or 'pastoral' connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Possibly slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical literature or period dramas.
Grammar
How to Use “cates” in a Sentence
[verb] + cates (e.g., serve, prepare, procure, offer)[adjective] + catesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cates” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use)
American English
- (No standard adverb use)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective use)
American English
- (No standard adjective use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis of older texts (e.g., Shakespeare's works).
Everyday
Not used in contemporary everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cates”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a cate'). It is historically a plural.
- Using it in a modern, non-stylistic context where 'food' or 'delicacies' would be appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'cakes'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic word. It is rarely used outside of historical, literary, or deliberately old-fashioned or humorous contexts.
Historically, 'cates' was treated as a plural. The singular form 'cate' is even rarer and not standard in modern usage. It's best to always use 'cates' as a plural noun.
'Delicacies' or 'dainties' are the closest modern synonyms in terms of meaning and register (though less archaic).
You are most likely to encounter it in the works of Shakespeare (e.g., "The Taming of the Shrew") or other English Renaissance literature, or in modern writing that imitates that style.
(Archaic) Delicacies or choice provisions of food, especially dainty dishes.
Cates is usually archaic, literary, humorous in register.
Cates: in British English it is pronounced /keɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /keɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this rare word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cakes' and 'plates' – but fancy, old-fashioned ones. 'Cates' sounds like 'cakes' and are similarly delightful foods served on plates.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS RARITY / PLEASURE IS DELICACY
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'cates' be MOST appropriately used today?