plateful: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “plateful” mean?
The quantity of food that fills a plate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quantity of food that fills a plate; a generous portion served on a single plate.
A large or abundant amount of something, often food, that can be metaphorically described as filling a plate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The word is equally understood and used in both varieties. No significant spelling or meaning differences.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a connotation of a hearty, generous, or satisfying serving. Can imply excess or indulgence in context.
Frequency
Relatively low frequency in both. Slightly more common in spoken, informal contexts describing meals.
Grammar
How to Use “plateful” in a Sentence
a plateful of [FOOD NOUN]plateful after plateful (of)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically, e.g., 'The manager has a plateful of problems to deal with.'
Academic
Very rare. Not a term of art in any common discipline.
Everyday
Common. Used in domestic and dining contexts to describe servings of food.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plateful”
- Using 'plateful' as an adjective (*a plateful dinner). It is a noun. Confusing it with 'plentiful' (meaning abundant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily used in informal, everyday contexts, especially when talking about food.
Yes, but this is metaphorical and less common. It describes a large amount of something abstract, like work or problems (e.g., a plateful of trouble).
'Plate' is the physical dish. 'Plateful' is the amount of food that fits on that dish. It refers to the contents, not the object.
It's pronounced PLAYT-ful. The stress is on the first syllable, just like the word 'plate'.
The quantity of food that fills a plate.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[have/be] enough on one's plate (already)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FULL PLATE of food. PLATE+FUL = a full plate's worth.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS A CONTAINER (a plateful of troubles). ABUNDANCE IS FILLING A CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural use of 'plateful'?