What is cake? Pronunciation and usage in English

cake means . Learn how to pronounce and use cake through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cake

cakenoun

/keɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of cake

The word "cake" in English is pronounced "keɪk" (rhymes with "lake").

Here's a breakdown:

  • "ca" - pronounced like the "ca" in "cat"
  • "ke" - pronounced like the "key" in "key"
  • "k" - a hard "k" sound
  • "ay" - pronounced like the "ay" in "say"

You can also find audio pronunciations online if you want to hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word cake in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cake" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Food – Sweet Dessert

  • Most Common Meaning: This is what most people think of when they hear "cake." It’s a sweet baked dish made with flour, sugar, eggs, and often butter, and flavored with things like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.
    • Examples:
      • "I love chocolate cake!"
      • "Let's have a slice of cake for dessert."
      • "She baked a beautiful vanilla cake for her birthday."
      • "We ordered a multi-tiered wedding cake."

2. "Cake" as a Verb (Slang - a Big Favor)

  • Slang Meaning: This is a more informal and often playful way to use "cake." It means to do something nice or helpful for someone, often a big favor. It's a casual way of saying "to treat someone" or "to do a good deed."
    • Origin: It comes from the idea that if you "cake" someone, you’re giving them a “cake” – a sweet treat.
    • Examples:
      • "You really caked me when you drove me to the airport." (You did me a huge favor!)
      • "If you help me move, I’ll cake you." (I’ll treat you to something nice.)
      • “He caked me with a round of beers after my shift."

3. "Cake" as a Metaphor (Success or Achievement)

  • Figurative Meaning: Sometimes, "cake" is used metaphorically to describe something easy or desirable that’s quickly achieved. It's like saying something is a “walk in the park” or "a piece of cake."
    • Examples:
      • "The exam was a piece of cake." (The exam was very easy.)
      • "Getting the job was a cake walk." (Getting the job was very easy.)

4. "Cake" in a Phrase

  • Cake Boss: Refers to the show and the profession of making elaborate cakes.
  • Cake-Walk: (As mentioned above) A very easy task.
  • Cake-in: (Rare) To give a large gift or favor.

Here's a table to summarize:

Meaning Usage Example
Food "Let's eat cake!"
Verb (Slang) "You caked me by helping me."
Metaphor "It was a piece of cake."
Phrase "Cake Boss"

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Synonyms for the word cake

Idioms of the word cake

go/sell like hot cakes
to be bought quickly or in great numbers
    have your cake and eat it
    to have the advantages of something without its disadvantages; to have both things that are available
      the icing on the cake
      something extra and not essential that is added to an already good situation or experience and that makes it even better
      • It’s an added bonus—the icing on the cake.
      a piece of cake
      (informal)a thing that is very easy to do
        a slice/share of the cake
        a share of the available money or benefits that you believe you have a right to
        • Scotland is demanding a larger slice of the national cake.
        take the cake
        (informal)to be the most surprising, annoying, etc. thing that has happened or that somebody has done

          Practice with vocabulary cake

          Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

          1. For her birthday, she baked a chocolate _______ covered in fresh berries.
          2. He decided to prepare a _______ for the office party, but it turned out too dry.
          3. The children enjoyed the _______ at the picnic, especially the ones with sprinkles.
          4. Instead of a dessert, she opted for a savory _______ made with cheese and herbs.

          Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

          1. Which of the following is a common dessert served at celebrations?
            a) Cake
            b) Salad
            c) Soup
            d) Bread
          2. What is a sweet baked item often decorated with frosting?
            a) Pie
            b) Cake
            c) Cookies
            d) Pastry
          3. Which word refers to a baked treat typically served at weddings?
            a) Tart
            b) Cake
            c) Pudding
            d) Biscuit
          4. Which of these is a light and fluffy dessert often served with fruit?
            a) Soufflé
            b) Mousse
            c) Ice cream
            d) Cake
          5. What is a traditional dessert for birthdays?
            a) Cupcake
            b) Cake
            c) Brownie
            d) Donut

          Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

          1. Original: She made a delicious dessert for the party.
            Rewrite: She baked a delicious cake for the party.
          2. Original: The baker prepared a special treat for the guests.
            Rewrite: The baker prepared a special cake for the guests.
          3. Original: He enjoyed the pastry after dinner.
            Rewrite: He enjoyed the pie after dinner.

          Answer:

          Exercise 1:

          1. cake
          2. cake
          3. cupcakes
          4. quiche

          Exercise 2:

          1. a) Cake
          2. b) Cake
          3. b) Cake
          4. b) Mousse
          5. b) Cake

          Exercise 3:

          1. She baked a delicious cake for the party.
          2. The baker prepared a special cake for the guests.
          3. He enjoyed the pie after dinner.

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