Recipe: Definition, Usage & Practical Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：cooking instructions (recipe)

recipe 🔊

/ˈrɛs.ɪ.pi/

A clear guide for cooking a dish, listing what you need and what steps to follow.

Recipe illustrated by an open cookbook showing ingredients and steps for pancakes.

cooking instructions 🔊

➕

/ˈkʊk.ɪŋ ɪnˈstrʌk.ʃənz/

A detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step directions for preparing a specific dish.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'recipere' (to receive), from 're-' (back) + 'capere' (to take).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a chef receiving ingredients to follow a recipe.

📖 Example

I found a great recipe online for banana pancakes, and now it's our favorite weekend breakfast. 🔊 I discovered an excellent online recipe for banana pancakes, which has become our favorite weekend breakfast.

🔗 Collocations

follow a recipe – to adhere to the instructions of a recipe

recipe book – a collection of recipes in book form

secret recipe – a recipe kept confidential for uniqueness

🔄 Synonyms

formula (n.) – a set of instructions for making something

instructions (n.) – detailed information on how to do something

guide (n.) – something that provides direction or advice

📖 Cultural Story

Originated from Latin 'recipere', used in medieval medical prescriptions meaning 'take'. Extended to cooking instructions in the 18th century.

Meaning 2：formula for success (recipe)

recipe 🔊

/ˈrɛs.ɪ.pi/

A specific combination of methods that, when followed, leads to success in a particular situation.

Recipe for success concept with lightbulb, teamwork, and time icons leading to success.

formula for success 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːr.mjʊ.lə fɔr səkˈsɛs/

A proven combination of methods or elements that, when applied, leads to a desired outcome in various situations.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Hard work, patience, and a bit of luck - that's his recipe for a successful business. 🔊 His business success relies on a recipe of hard work, patience, and a bit of luck.

🔗 Collocations

recipe for disaster – a situation likely to fail or cause problems

winning recipe – a successful formula

proven recipe – a tested and effective method

🔄 Synonyms

formula (n.) – a method or set of actions for achieving something

blueprint (n.) – a detailed plan or model

strategy (n.) – a plan of action to achieve a goal