cater
cater Lexical Profile
cater Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To provide food and drink for a social event, gathering, or venue in a professional capacity.
"A local bakery was hired to cater the corporate luncheon for two hundred guests."
To provide what is required or desired by a particular person or group (usually followed by 'to' or 'for').
"The resort was specifically designed to cater to families with young children."
Word Nuance & Usage
When meaning to satisfy a desire or need, 'cater to' often carries a slightly critical connotation of indulging someone or pandering, whereas 'cater for' (especially in British English) more neutrally means to take into account or provide what is necessary.
• Rhymes for cater
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originally a noun meaning a buyer of provisions, derived from Middle English 'catour', a shortened form of 'acatour', from Anglo-Norman 'acatour' (buyer), ultimately from Late Latin 'accaptare' (to acquire or purchase).