Plate Meaning, Examples, and Common Usage

Meaning 1：a flat dish (plate)

plate 🔊

/pleɪt/

A flat, usually round object used to put food on when eating.

White ceramic plate with roasted chicken and vegetables on wooden table

a flat dish 🔊

➕

/ə flæt dɪʃ/

A plate is a flat, usually round dish used for serving food. It is typically made of ceramic, glass, or plastic and is an essential item in dining settings.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'plattus' (flat) > Old French 'plate' (metal sheet) > dinner plate.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a PLATE as a FLAT surface to hold food: P (flat) + LATE (you're late for dinner, food on plate).

📖 Example

Grandma placed a warm slice of apple pie on my plate. 🔊 Grandma placed a warm slice of apple pie on my plate.

🔗 Collocations

dinner plate – a plate used for the main course of a meal

paper plate – a disposable plate made of paper, often used for picnics

plate of food – a plate that contains a serving of food, e.g., a plate of pasta

🔄 Synonyms

dish (n.) – a shallow container for serving food, often used interchangeably with plate

platter (n.) – a large flat dish used for serving main dishes or multiple items

saucer (n.) – a small round dish placed under a cup to catch drips

🚫 Antonyms

bowl (n.) – a deep, rounded dish for liquids or foods like soup

cup (n.) – a small container with a handle for drinking liquids

🌱 Derivatives

plateful (n.) – the amount that fills a plate

plating (n.) – the process of covering a surface with a thin layer of metal, or the artistic arrangement of food on a plate

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'plate' entered English from Old French 'plate', meaning a thin piece of metal. Its ultimate root is Latin 'plattus', meaning flat. Historically, plates were made of metal or wood, later ceramic for dining.