pleasant meal

USAGE SUMMARY

'pleasant meal' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a meal that was especially enjoyable or of a higher quality than expected. For example, "We had a really pleasant meal at the restaurant last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We have a pleasant meal, we talk about magic, it's an enjoyable evening.

The New Yorker

I have lost count of the times that, after numerous "sorrys?" and "can't hears", conversation over what was supposed to be a pleasant meal has just petered out.

The Guardian - Opinion

You could follow this with a starter plate of meltingly grilled octopus with sweet, soft potatoes dressed in olive oil and lemon ($15), and make a very pleasant meal.

The New York Times - Food

The food at the Patio has its ups and downs, but if you choose well, you can have a pleasant meal here in a casual setting that epitomizes summer, South Shore style.

The New York Times

Some years ago another American writer wrote a book entitled the "No Breakfast Cure," in which the omission of this very pleasant meal was lauded as the universal panacea for all illness.

Nature

It was a pleasant meal, but this upscale emporium couldn't touch what was delivered at far less expensive joints, many of them transitional spots that are essentially overgrown street stalls.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Over the last month or so, I've had a string of extremely pleasant meals at second-generation Back Forty West, and a succession of sloppy, careless ones at the place it was modeled after.

The New York Times - Food

In all three cases, the pattern was the same: first, a few pleasant meals together, followed by a sense that dinner wasn't exactly our proper form, and then the acknowledgment that we needed an activity.

HuffPost

Treat yourself to pleasant meals.

WikiHow

"It started out happy and gay," she recalled of the evening — a pleasant, spicy meal with plenty of wine.

Stanford University

But today one can have a pleasant casual meal with good, sometimes very good, food at affordable prices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "pleasant meal", consider adding details about what made it so – the specific dishes, the ambiance of the restaurant, or the conversation shared.

Common error

Avoid using "pleasant meal" as a default description. If the meal was exceptional, consider stronger adjectives like 'delightful', 'exquisite', or 'memorable'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pleasant meal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "pleasant" modifies the noun "meal". This construction is used to describe or characterize the meal as enjoyable or agreeable. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pleasant meal" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an enjoyable dining experience. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While "pleasant meal" is widely accepted, writers should consider using more descriptive adjectives when the meal is exceptionally good. Related phrases such as "enjoyable dining experience" or "satisfying repast" can offer greater nuance. Remember to provide specific details to make your description more engaging and vivid. Ludwig provides valuable examples for real-world usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoyable dining experience

Replaces "meal" with a broader term and emphasizes the overall experience.

gratifying culinary experience

Focuses on the culinary aspect of the meal, emphasizing satisfaction.

fulfilling meal

Emphasizes the sense of satisfaction and completeness derived from the meal.

satisfying repast

Uses more formal vocabulary for "meal", adding a touch of elegance.

delightful supper

Substitutes "meal" with "supper", specifying a particular time of day and implying enjoyment.

fine dining experience

Highlights the upscale and sophisticated nature of the meal.

agreeable feast

Replaces "meal" with "feast", suggesting a larger and more elaborate dining experience.

memorable food

Shifts the focus from the event to the quality and memorability of the food itself.

wonderful lunch

Specifies "meal" as "lunch", limiting the time of day and conveying a positive sentiment.

lovely dinner

Specifies "meal" as "dinner", limiting the time of day and conveying a positive sentiment.

FAQs

What does "pleasant meal" mean?

A "pleasant meal" refers to a dining experience that is enjoyable and satisfying. It implies that the food, atmosphere, and company were all agreeable.

What can I say instead of "pleasant meal"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoyable dining experience", "delightful supper", or "satisfying repast" depending on the context.

How can I make a meal more pleasant?

Creating a relaxing atmosphere, preparing delicious food, and sharing the meal with good company can all contribute to a more "pleasant meal".

Is "pleasant meal" a formal or informal phrase?

"Pleasant meal" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using more sophisticated vocabulary like "exquisite cuisine" or "gratifying repast" in highly formal settings.