cater
KEY-ter
/ˈteɪtə(r)/
To provide food and drink, typically at social events; to provide what is needed or wanted by a specific group.
Can refer literally to professional food service, or metaphorically to satisfying someone's specific tastes or demands.
The story behind the word. Traced back to Middle English 'catour' ('buyer of provisions'), shortened from Anglo-French 'acatour' ('buyer'), from 'acater' ('to buy'). Originally, a caterer was simply the household officer in charge of purchasing food for a grand manor.
Word relationships
- provide: Provide is a general term for supplying something, while cater specifically implies supplying food/drink or tailored services.
- serve: Serve means to physically hand over food or perform a duty, whereas cater involves the broader organization and supply of provisions.
- neglect: To fail to care for or attend to the needs of others.
- ignore: To pay no attention to someone's needs or requests.
Commonly confused with
- pander: Pander means to cater to the lower or baser desires of others, often in an insincere way, whereas cater is neutral and helpful.
Word family
- caterer (noun): A person or company providing food and drink for events.
- catering (noun): The business of providing food services at remote sites.
Collocations
- cater to
- cater an event
- professionally catered
- cater to tastes
Idioms & expressions
- cater to someone's every whim
Example sentences
- "They decided to hire a local restaurant to cater their wedding reception with authentic Italian cuisine." Hiring a professional service for a wedding.
- "The new streaming service aims to cater to fans of classic independent cinema." Metaphorical use regarding target audiences.
Memory hook
A 'caterer' brings a 'crate' of food to 'care' for the guests. Cater to their needs, and everyone feeds.
When not to use
Do not use when simply cooking a casual family meal without the intent of serving or satisfying a specific crowd.
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'cater-cousin' was a slang term for an intimate friend—someone you were close enough to share meals with regularly.
Related words
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