cater
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈkeɪtər//
KK: /ˈkeɪtər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To provide food and services for events or gatherings, often in a professional capacity.
Example
The company decided to cater the wedding reception with a variety of delicious dishes.
Tense Forms
Past: catered
Past Participle: catered
Conversation
I noticed the restaurant really caters to families with kids.
Yeah, they have a great menu for children and play areas.
It's nice to see places that cater to everyone's needs.
Absolutely! It makes dining out more enjoyable for everyone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
serve
provide
attend
Antonyms
neglect
ignore
disregard
transitive verb
Definition
To provide food and drinks for an event or to meet someone's needs or desires.
Example
The company will cater the wedding reception with a variety of delicious dishes.
Tense Forms
Past: catered
Past Participle: catered
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how much work it takes to cater a big event?
Yeah, I can only imagine the planning involved.
I wonder if we should hire someone to cater my birthday party this year.
Root Explanation
Cater → The word 'cater' originates from the Middle English 'cateren', which comes from the Old French 'acater' (meaning to buy or to provide). It refers to the act of providing food or services, particularly for events or gatherings.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'providing' ('acater') food or services for a special occasion — that's why cater means to supply or provide.
Visually Confused Words
crater
coater
cauter
caster
carter
canter
sclater
scatter