last supper
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Religious, Literary
Definition
Meaning
The final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, as described in the Christian Gospels.
Any final meal or gathering, especially one held before a significant, often negative, event or separation; can metaphorically refer to a final act before a conclusion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When capitalized ('Last Supper'), it is a proper noun referring specifically to the biblical event. In lowercase ('last supper'), it can be a common noun used metaphorically. The term is heavily culturally and religiously loaded.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. Usage frequency may be slightly higher in contexts with stronger Christian cultural presence.
Connotations
Identical strong religious and historical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in religious, academic, and artistic contexts. Rare in everyday casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + the Last Supper (e.g., depict, commemorate, reenact)[Adjective] + last supper (e.g., final, symbolic, poignant)[Preposition] + the Last Supper (e.g., at, before, after, of)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like the Last Supper (used to describe a solemn or final gathering)”
- “A last supper moment (a poignant final gathering before a crisis)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in high-stakes contexts, e.g., 'The board meeting felt like a last supper before the takeover.'
Academic
Common in theology, art history, history, and literature departments to discuss the biblical event or its depictions.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it's metaphorical and dramatic, e.g., 'Our dinner before he moved away felt like a last supper.'
Technical
Specific term in Christian theology and art criticism.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We learned about the Last Supper in our RE class.
- They had a last supper before the holiday ended.
- Leonardo da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper is very famous.
- The team's dinner felt like a last supper before the difficult project began.
- Theologically, the Last Supper is considered the institution of the Eucharist.
- The atmosphere at the farewell party was oddly reminiscent of a last supper, full of unspoken goodbyes.
- Art historians debate the symbolism of the food depicted in representations of the Last Supper.
- The director used the final banquet scene as a secular last supper, foreshadowing the betrayal of the protagonist by his closest ally.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LAST' = final, 'SUPPER' = evening meal. Jesus's last meal with his 12 disciples.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FINAL MEAL IS A LAST SUPPER (impending ending, sacrifice, betrayal, solemnity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'последний ужин' for the biblical event; the established term is 'Тайная вечеря' (Secret Supper). Using 'последний ужин' loses the specific cultural reference.
- The metaphorical use can be translated as 'прощальный ужин' or 'последняя трапеза', but the dramatic/religious connotation may be lost.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase 'last supper' when referring specifically to the biblical event (should be capitalized).
- Using it too casually for any last meal, which can sound inappropriately dramatic or insensitive.
- Confusing it with 'Eucharist' or 'Communion' (which are subsequent rituals derived from it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'Last Supper' (capitalized) be most appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is capitalized when referring specifically to the event in the life of Jesus Christ ('the Last Supper'). When used as a common noun metaphorically ('a last supper'), it is often lowercase.
Yes, but use it cautiously. It carries strong dramatic and final connotations, so using it for a simple 'last meal' might sound overly dramatic or humorous.
The Last Supper is the historical event. The Eucharist (also called Communion or the Lord's Supper) is the Christian sacrament or ritual that commemorates and re-enacts that event.
It is a pivotal narrative moment involving drama, betrayal, and institution of a sacrament, offering rich opportunities for artistic composition, symbolism, and the depiction of human emotion, making it a frequent subject from the early Christian period onwards.