commensality

[kuh-men-sal-i-tee]

commensality Definition

the act or practice of eating together, especially as a sign of sociability.

Using commensality: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "commensality" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company encourages commensality among its employees by providing a communal dining area.

  • Example

    Commensality is an important aspect of many cultural traditions around the world.

  • Example

    Sharing meals with friends and family is a form of commensality that strengthens social bonds.

commensality Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for commensality

  • social dining
  • shared meals
  • table fellowship

Phrases with commensality

  • a cultural prohibition against sharing food with certain individuals or groups, often based on religious or social beliefs

    Example

    In some cultures, there is a commensality taboo against eating with people from lower social classes.

  • a formalized practice of sharing food in a specific context, often with symbolic or religious significance

    Example

    The Passover Seder is a commensality ritual that commemorates the Jewish exodus from Egypt.

  • the psychological phenomenon whereby people who eat together tend to bond and feel more positively towards each other

    Example

    The commensality effect has been observed in various contexts, from business meetings to romantic dates.

Origins of commensality

from Latin 'commensalis', meaning 'sharing a table'

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Summary: commensality in Brief

'Commensality' [kuh-men-sal-i-tee] refers to the act of eating together as a sign of sociability. It is an important aspect of many cultural traditions and can strengthen social bonds. 'Commensality' extends into phrases like 'commensality taboo,' which denotes cultural prohibitions against sharing food with certain individuals or groups, and 'commensality effect,' which describes the psychological phenomenon of bonding over shared meals.