regale
C1Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To entertain or amuse someone lavishly with food, drink, or enjoyable conversation.
To provide someone with something pleasing or delightful, often in generous abundance. The verb implies a sense of special treatment, often for the purpose of hospitality or celebration. Can also be used reflexively (regale oneself) or in the passive voice (be regaled with).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries connotations of festivity, generosity, and pleasure. It often suggests a one-sided action where one person provides delight to another or others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or syntactic differences. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or literary in everyday speech in both regions. More likely found in writing, formal contexts, or descriptive prose.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both BrE and AmE. More common in historical fiction, reviews (e.g., of meals), and formal narratives.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
regale someone with somethingregale someone on somethingbe regaled with/on somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms specific to 'regale')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in exaggerated descriptions of corporate hospitality: 'The hosts regaled the visiting delegation with a gourmet dinner.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or literary analysis describing scenes of entertainment.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously or ironically: 'He regaled us with every detail of his train journey.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The grandfather would regale his grandchildren with tales of his post-war travels.
- We were regaled on a superb selection of local cheeses and ciders.
American English
- The keynote speaker regaled the audience with hilarious industry anecdotes.
- He regaled himself with a giant steak after the marathon.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard.)
American English
- (Not standard.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. 'Regal' is the related adjective.)
American English
- (Not standard. 'Regal' is the related adjective.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2. Use 'tell' or 'entertain' instead.)
- (Too complex for B1. Use 'entertain' or 'tell stories' instead.)
- At the party, she regaled us with funny stories about her university days.
- The guide regaled the tourists with legends of the old castle.
- The ambassador regaled his guests with vintage champagne and exquisite canapés.
- Throughout the long journey, the novelist regaled his companion with observations on modern society.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a royal GALE of laughter and food – to RE-GALE someone is to give them a gale (abundance) of good things again (re-).
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTERTAINMENT IS A FEAST (providing stories is like providing rich food and drink).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'рассказывать' (to tell) alone; 'regale' implies doing so in an entertaining, lavish manner, often at length. Не просто рассказывать, а угощать рассказами.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without an object: 'He regaled with stories' (incorrect) vs. 'He regaled us with stories' (correct). Confusing it with 'regal' (royal).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'regale' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered formal or literary. In everyday conversation, words like 'entertain', 'tell', or 'treat' are more common.
Yes, its core is to provide abundant pleasure. You can be regaled with music, attention, gifts, or any delightful experience, though stories and food/drink are the most typical collocations.
The related noun is 'regalement', but it is extremely rare. The act is usually described with phrases like 'a regale' (informal/non-standard) or more commonly, paraphrased (e.g., 'a lavish meal', 'an entertaining story').
'Regale' is more specific and vivid. It implies a generous, often lavish, and one-sided act of pleasing someone, typically involving sustenance or lengthy narration. 'Entertain' is broader and more neutral, covering any act of providing amusement.