Supper

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈsʌpɚ/

Definitions

  1. A meal consumed in the evening, usually involving family or friends, which may be less formal than dinner
  2. An evening gathering centered around food, often taking place at home and varying in style and formality
  3. A social meal enjoyed in the evening, often marking the end of the day, that can range from casual to more formal settings

Etymology: The word emerged in English during the Middle Ages, deriving from the Old French term "souper," which itself traces back to the verb "souper," meaning "to sup" or "to eat the evening meal." This French origin stems from the Late Latin "suppare," a frequentative of "suppare," meaning "to take liquid food," which connects to the Latin root "suppa," referring to bread soaked in broth or liquid. The term's earliest English appearances, dating from the 14th century, centered around the evening meal, often lighter and later than dinner. In medieval Europe, the structure of daily meals varied considerably, and "supper" was distinguished from "dinner" not only by timing but by substance. Dinner was typically the main, heavier meal taken around midday, while supper was a lighter, more informal occasion in the evening. The word reflects this social and culinary rhythm, rooted in practices where bread soaked in broth or soup was a common feature—hence the connection to the Latin "suppa." Over time, the precise timing and significance of the evening meal shifted, especially as work patterns and social customs evolved. In some dialects and regions, supper retained its meaning as a lighter meal after dinner, while in others, it came to signify the main evening meal itself. This semantic fluidity illustrates how the word adapted to changing lifestyles while preserving its association with the end of the day's nourishment. The pronunciation, with a short vowel and stress on the first syllable, has remained relatively stable, mirroring its straightforward phonetic roots. While the term's core meaning has been consistent—an evening meal—its cultural connotations vary, reflecting the historical interplay between language, social customs, and eating habits across centuries.

Synonyms: dinner, meal, repast, feast, banquet

Antonyms: snack, fast