Dish

Definition

Dish is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a shallow container used for serving or holding food, or the food itself when prepared and served. As a verb, it means to serve food or to distribute something, often in a casual or informal manner.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪʃ/
• Respelling: DISH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪʃ/
• Respelling: DISH

Etymology

The word "dish" originates from the Old English "disc," which referred to a plate or bowl for food. This term is derived from the Latin "discus," meaning "disk" or "plate." It entered the English language with meanings related to both containers and the food they hold.

Derivatives

• Dishes (plural noun)
• Dishful (noun)
• Dishy (adjective, informal)
• Dishcloth (noun)
• Dishware (noun)

Synonyms

• Plate
• Platter
• Bowl

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "dish" is commonly used to refer to both the food itself and the container used to serve it, as in "She prepared a delicious dish of pasta." As a verb, it is often used in informal contexts, such as "He dished out the advice without hesitation."

Related Terms

• Plate: A flat dish used for serving food.
• Cutlery: Utensils used for eating, such as forks, knives, and spoons.
• Serving: The act of providing food to others.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A shallow container used for serving or holding food: Refers to a container, typically round, used for serving meals.
  • Example: "The dish was filled with various appetizers."
• A specific prepared food item: Refers to a recipe or type of food served as a meal or part of a meal.
  • Example: "Pasta is his favorite dish to cook."

Verb

• To serve food to others: Describes the act of distributing food to people.
  • Example: "She dished out portions of soup to each guest."
• To distribute something informally: Used in casual contexts, often to mean sharing information or advice.
  • Example: "He loves to dish out gossip."