breakfast
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ˈbrɛkfəst//
KK: /ˈbrɛkfəst/
intransitive verb
Definition
To eat the first meal of the day, usually in the morning.
Example
We breakfasted on the terrace.
Tense Forms
Past: breakfasted
Past Participle: breakfasted
Conversation
What did you have for breakfast today?
I just had some toast and coffee, nothing fancy.
I think I’ll breakfast on some eggs and fruit later.
That sounds delicious! Enjoy your meal.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dine
feast
repast
Antonyms
fast
abstain
skip
noun
Definition
The first meal that people eat in the morning.
Example
I usually have eggs and toast for breakfast.
Conversation
What do you usually have for breakfast?
I like oatmeal and fruit in the mornings.
That sounds healthy! I usually grab a quick breakfast on my way to work.
transitive verb
Definition
A meal eaten in the morning, usually the first meal of the day.
Example
I always eat breakfast before going to work.
Conversation
What are you doing for breakfast tomorrow?
I haven't decided yet, but I might make pancakes.
You should come over; I can breakfast for us both.
Root Explanation
Breakfast → It is formed from "break" (from Old English "bræcan", meaning to break) and "fast" (from Old English "fæsten", meaning a period of fasting or abstaining from food). The word "breakfast" literally means to break the fast after a night of not eating.
Memory Tip
Think of 'breaking' a 'fast' — breakfast is the meal that breaks the overnight fast.
Visually Confused Words
unbreakfasted
postbreakfast