a flat dish, typically circular and made of china, from which food is eaten or served, a thin, flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically one used to join or strengthen things or forming part of a machine, a flat glass or plastic surface coated with a light-sensitive material, on which photographic images can be recorded

have a lot on one's plate, plate of armor, hand someone their hat and coat on a plate

clean plate, full plate, silver plate

Formal and Informal Expressions of plate

In different contexts, you can replace 'plate' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'dish, platter' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'serving, dishware' is a commonplace synonym.

plate: Explore its Definition & Usage

plate Definition

1a flat dish, typically circular and made of china, from which food is eaten or served
2a thin, flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically one used to join or strengthen things or forming part of a machine
3a flat glass or plastic surface coated with a light-sensitive material, on which photographic images can be recorded

Using plate: Examples

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

Example
She placed the plate of food in front of him.
Example
The mechanic used a metal plate to fix the broken engine.
Example
He developed the photograph on the glass plate.

plate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for plate

Antonyms for plate

Idioms Using plate

have a lot on one's plate
to have a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with
Example
I can't go out tonight, I have a lot on my plate at work.
plate of armor
a suit of armor worn for protection in battle
Example
The knight put on his plate of armor before heading into battle.
hand someone their hat and coat on a plate
to make it easy for someone to leave or quit
Example
He was so unhappy with his job that he wished they would just hand him his hat and coat on a plate.

Phrases with plate

clean plate
a plate on which all the food has been eaten
Example
He always leaves a clean plate after dinner.
full plate
a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with
Example
She has a full plate with her job and taking care of her children.
silver plate
a thin layer of silver coating applied to a base metal
Example
The antique spoon was made of silver plate.

Origins of plate

from Old English 'plætt', meaning 'flat piece of land'

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Summary: plate in Brief

A 'plate' [pleɪt] can refer to a flat dish made of china, a thin sheet of metal or other material used to join or strengthen things, or a flat glass or plastic surface coated with a light-sensitive material for photographic images. Phrases like 'clean plate' and 'full plate' are used to describe the amount of food or work one has, while idioms like 'have a lot on one's plate' and 'hand someone their hat and coat on a plate' denote having a lot of work or making it easy for someone to leave.