breakfast etymology

Etymology:

The word "breakfast" originated in the early 15th century Middle English term "brekfast." It is a combination of two Old English words:

  • "brekan" (to break)
  • "fæsten" (fasting)

Meaning:

Breakfast literally means "to break the fast." It refers to the first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning after a period of fasting overnight.

Origin:

The concept of breakfast as a separate meal developed gradually over time. In medieval Europe, people generally ate two main meals per day: a midday meal and an evening meal. Around the 15th century, a third meal, known as "breakfast," emerged to break the long overnight fast.

Initially, breakfast was a simple meal consisting of bread, cheese, or porridge. Over time, it evolved into a more substantial meal that included a variety of foods such as eggs, bacon, pancakes, and cereal.

In many cultures, breakfast is considered an important meal that provides energy and nutrients to start the day. Some studies suggest that having a healthy breakfast can improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of weight gain, and support overall well-being.

breakfast relate terms

  • break

    Etymology Middle English breken breken Old English brecan Proto Germanic brekan Pro

  • breach

    Etymology Old French breche from Late Latin brecha from Celtic of unknown origin M

  • brake

    Etymology The word brake has several etymological origins German brechen meaning

  • brick

    Etymology The word brick comes from the Middle English word brike which itself is d

  • broken

    Etymology Broken comes from the Old English word brocen which meant to break shatt

  • Macbeth

    Etymology Old English Macbethad Scottish Gaelic Mac Bethad Proto Celtic Makko

  • dine

    Etymology The word dine comes from the Old French verb disner which in turn derives

  • jejune

    Etymology Latin ieiunus empty fasting Proto Indo European h₁eyǵʰ empty h

  • fast

    Etymology Fast derives from the Middle English word faste which means to refrain from

  • jejune

    Etymology Latin ieiunus empty fasting Proto Indo European h₁eyǵʰ empty h

  • undern

    Etymology The word undern has its roots in the Old English word under meaning below

  • cereal

    Etymology The word cereal is derived from the Latin word Ceres the Roman goddess of

  • flare up

    Etymology The word flare up is derived from the Middle English word flaren meaning

  • give

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek word etymos meaning true or re