Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈbrɛkfəst/

Definitions

• The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning.
• The action or process of eating breakfast.

Usage Examples

• She had cereal and toast for breakfast.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
• They ate a hearty breakfast before starting the hike.

Etymology

The word "breakfast" comes from the Middle English "brekfast," which is a compound of "break" (meaning to fast or abstain) and "fast" (meaning to abstain from food). It originally referred to the act of breaking the fast after a night without food, typically the first meal in the morning.

Synonyms

• Morning meal
• Brunch (if eaten later in the day)
• First meal

Antonyms

• Dinner
• Supper

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the stress is placed on the first syllable "break," whereas in British English, it is often pronounced with a slightly softer "a" sound.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation tends to be clearer with a more distinct separation of syllables.

Historical Usage

Historically, "breakfast" referred specifically to the first meal of the day after the period of fasting during sleep. In the past, breakfast was often a simple meal consisting of bread, porridge, or leftovers from the previous day. The term became widely popular in the early 19th century as the idea of a structured meal in the morning became more common in industrialized societies.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, breakfast foods vary greatly. For example, in the United States, breakfast may include eggs, bacon, pancakes, or cereal, while in countries like Japan, it might include rice, fish, and miso soup. The timing of breakfast also varies – in Spain, breakfast is often light and taken later in the morning, while in the UK, it is traditionally eaten early. Breakfast traditions play an important role in societal norms and daily routines worldwide.

More Information

Breakfast is often described as the most important meal of the day, as it provides essential nutrients and energy for the body after a long night of fasting. It is recommended to consume a balanced breakfast, containing a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, to kick-start the metabolism and improve focus throughout the day. Breakfast foods can range from light options like fruits and yogurt to more hearty meals such as full English breakfasts or continental fare.