recipe
B1Neutral to informal; formal in technical culinary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A set of instructions for preparing a particular dish or meal.
A method or plan for achieving a desired outcome, often used metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The metaphorical extension to "plan for success/disaster" is well-established but remains figurative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor spelling variation in derived terms (e.g., 'recipe book' vs. 'cookbook').
Connotations
Identical; both literal (culinary) and metaphorical uses are common.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
recipe for [noun]recipe from [source]recipe by [author]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a recipe for disaster/success”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Their new strategy is a proven recipe for growth." (Metaphorical)
Academic
The paper outlines a recipe for synthesizing the compound.
Everyday
I need a recipe for chocolate chip cookies.
Technical
The formulation requires a precise recipe of ingredients.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Recipe' is not standardly used as a verb.
American English
- 'Recipe' is not standardly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- 'Recipe' is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Recipe' is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- 'Recipe' is not standardly used as an adjective.
American English
- 'Recipe' is not standardly used as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My mum has a good recipe for soup.
- I followed the recipe carefully.
- Could you send me that pasta recipe you mentioned?
- Their lack of communication is a recipe for trouble.
- This recipe, passed down through generations, uses a unique blend of spices.
- The government's policy was widely criticized as a recipe for economic disaster.
- The chef has recipe-developed the dish to achieve a perfect balance of umami and acidity.
- His abrasive management style is an infallible recipe for high staff turnover.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember RECIPE: REady to Cook, Instructions Provided Exactly.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PLAN/SUCCESS IS A RECIPE; A DISASTER IS A BAD RECIPE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'рецепт' meaning 'medical prescription'. Context is key.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'receipt' instead of 'recipe' (false friend).
- Incorrect preposition: 'recipe of' instead of 'recipe for'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the correct metaphorical use of 'recipe'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's commonly used metaphorically to mean 'a method for achieving a result' (e.g., a recipe for success).
'Recipe' is for cooking; 'receipt' is a proof of purchase. They are historical doublets but not interchangeable.
No, it's a noun. The verb form is highly non-standard and likely to be seen as an error or creative wordplay.
Yes, they are synonyms, though 'cookbook' is slightly more common, especially in American English.
Collections
Part of a collection
Food and Cooking
A2 · 50 words · Cooking methods, kitchen tools and recipes.
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