The word “buttery” is a term that is often used to describe something that is rich, creamy, and indulgent. It is a word that is commonly associated with food, particularly with baked goods and desserts. However, the term “buttery” can also be used to describe other things, such as a room or a building. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of the word “buttery”.
Definitions
The term “buttery” has several different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common definitions of buttery is “resembling or containing butter”. This can apply to food, such as a buttery croissant or a buttery sauce, or to other things, such as a buttery texture or a buttery color.
Another definition of buttery is “a room or building where food and drink are stored and served”. This definition comes from the historical use of the term, when the buttery was a room in a monastery or college where food and drink were distributed to the members.
Origin
The word “buttery” has its roots in the Old French word “bouter”, which means “to thrust”. This word was used to describe a place where provisions were stored, and eventually came to refer specifically to a place where wine and other drinks were stored and served.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the primary definition of buttery is “a room in a college or monastery where provisions are stored and served”. However, the dictionary also includes definitions related to food and drink, such as “having the flavor or texture of butter” and “a room in a private house where liquors are kept and served”.
Merriam-Webster defines buttery as “resembling or containing butter”, as well as “a room in a house where liquors are kept and served”.
Associations
The term “buttery” is often associated with indulgence and luxury, particularly when it comes to food. A buttery croissant or a buttery sauce is seen as a treat, and something to be savored. The word can also be associated with warmth and comfort, as in the phrase “buttery soft”, which is used to describe something that is incredibly soft and cozy.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for buttery include creamy, rich, indulgent, luscious, and velvety.
Antonyms
Antonyms for buttery might include lean, light, plain, and dry.
The same root words
The root word “bouter” has given rise to several other words in the English language, including “buttress” (a support for a wall or building), “abut” (to touch or be adjacent to), and “rebut” (to refute or disprove).
Example Sentences
- The croissant was so buttery and flaky that it practically melted in my mouth.
- The buttery texture of the mashed potatoes was a perfect complement to the savory gravy.
- The buttery yellow walls of the room gave it a warm and inviting feel.
- The college’s buttery was a popular spot for students to gather and socialize.
- The buttery leather of the armchair made it the perfect place to curl up with a good book.