Date

Definition

Date is a noun and verb with multiple meanings. As a noun, it refers to a specific day on the calendar, a social or romantic appointment, or the edible fruit of the date palm tree. As a verb, it means to establish a date for something or to engage in a romantic outing.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /deɪt/
• Respelling: DAYT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /deɪt/
• Respelling: DAYT

Etymology

The word "date" originates from the Latin "data," meaning "given," which evolved through Old French "date" to Middle English, initially referring to a specified time. The meaning as a romantic engagement developed in the 19th century in the United States.

Derivatives

• Datable (adjective)
• Outdated (adjective)
• Update (verb)
• Dateline (noun)
• Backdate (verb)

Synonyms

• Appointment
• Engagement
• Meeting

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "date" can be used to describe specific calendar days, such as "The meeting is scheduled for that date." It also commonly refers to social outings, often romantic, as in "She has a date tonight." Additionally, "date" can denote the fruit of the date palm, as in "Dates are a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine."

Related Terms

• Calendar: A system by which days are organized and measured.
• Appointment: A planned meeting at a specified time.
• Chronology: The sequential order in which past events occur.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A particular day on the calendar: Refers to a specific day, month, and year.
  • Example: "What is today’s date?"
• A romantic or social appointment: Indicates an outing, usually with someone one is interested in romantically.
  • Example: "They went on a date to the new restaurant."
• The fruit of the date palm tree: Refers to the edible, sweet fruit commonly found in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines.
  • Example: "She enjoyed a snack of dried dates."

Verb

• To assign or determine a date for an event: The act of establishing a specific time for an event.
  • Example: "The document was dated April 5th, 2022."
• To engage in a romantic outing: Refers to going out with someone socially or romantically.
  • Example: "They have been dating for a few months."