Word
refreshment
Phoneticsre·fresh·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹəˈfɹɛʃmənt/
UK/ɹɪfɹˈɛʃmənt/
Definitions
01food and drink
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. small amounts of food and drink provided at a meeting, party, or during a journey.
n. light snacks and beverages served at an event or during travel. Often used in the plural form.
“Light refreshments will be served in the lobby after the presentation.”
“The conference organisers provided a variety of refreshments, including herbal teas and organic pastries, during the mid-morning break.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural form 'refreshments' when referring to food and drink.
Synonyms
02restoring energy
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the feeling of getting your strength or energy back after being tired.
n. the restoration of strength, spirit, or physical vigour after exertion or heat.
“The cool breeze provided a moment of refreshment after the long walk.”
“The weary travellers sought refreshment in the mountain stream, finding the icy water revitalising after their arduous ascent.”
Usage
In this abstract sense, the word is typically uncountable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Crews have been provided with free food and refreshments and we’ve seen that people are coming forward to provide spare furniture and goods to those who have lost them to fires.” “So while a carefully chosen pre-bed refreshment might be worth a try, don't be surprised if it has little impact.” Etymology
Recorded since 1665; either directly or via Middle English refreschement, from Old French refrescher (12th century; modern French rafraîchir), itself from re- (“again”) + fresche (“fresh”) (modern French frais; from a Germanic source, cognate with Old High German frisc, modern German frisch, Dutch fris, etc.)
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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