Bake

Definition

Bake is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to cook food by dry heat, typically in an oven, using convection. As a noun, it refers to a social gathering centered around the baking of food or a specific baked dish, such as a potluck or bake sale.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /beɪk/
• Respelling: BAYK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /beɪk/
• Respelling: BAYK

Etymology

The word "bake" originates from the Old English "bacan," meaning "to bake or cook," which is related to the Old Norse "baka" and the German "backen." Its usage in English dates back to before the 12th century and has long referred to cooking with dry heat.

Derivatives

• Baker (noun)
• Bakery (noun)
• Baked (adjective)
• Baking (noun/adjective)
• Half-baked (adjective)

Synonyms

• Roast
• Broil
• Cook

Antonyms

• Boil
• Freeze
• Raw

Usage

The term "bake" is often used in culinary contexts, referring to cooking methods and food preparation. For example, "She loves to bake cookies," or "They hosted a bake sale to raise funds."

Related Terms

• Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting.
• Pastry: A dough-based baked good, often sweet or savory.
• Cooking: The process of preparing food using heat.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To cook food by dry heat in an oven: Refers to the process of using an oven to prepare food items, often involving bread, cakes, or pastries.
  • Example: "She plans to bake a cake for the party."
• To be subjected to intense heat: Used metaphorically to describe situations where someone or something is exposed to high temperatures.
  • Example: "The tourists were baked by the midday sun."

Noun

• A social event centered on baking or serving baked goods: Describes a gathering where baking or sharing baked dishes is the main focus.
  • Example: "The neighborhood held a bake to share homemade treats with everyone."