Digestive Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪˈdʒɛstɪv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A type of cookie or snack food that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically made with wheat flour, sugar, and fat.

Examples

• Her favorite snack is a digestive biscuit with a cup of tea.
• These digestives are so addictive, I can’t stop eating them.
• The supermarket sells a variety of digestives in different flavors.
• She loves to dunk her digestives in her hot chocolate.
• The company’s digestive cookies are a staple in many British households.
• The digestive snack is a classic accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.

Synonyms

• Biscuit
• Cookie

Antonyms

• Bitter
• Harsh

Additional Information

Digestives are a popular snack food in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some other countries. They are often enjoyed with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and are a classic combination. Digestives are known for their unique texture and flavor profile, which sets them apart from other types of cookies or biscuits. They are often flavored with ingredients like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Etymology

The term “digestive” comes from the Latin word “digestus,” meaning “to digest.” This refers to the fact that these cookies are often associated with being easy to digest, as they are made with gentle ingredients and have a soft texture.

Usage Notes

In British English, the term “digestive” is commonly used to refer to a specific type of biscuit or cookie. However, in American English, the term “digestive” is not typically used to refer to food, and may be more closely associated with the concept of digestion or the digestive system.

Cultural References

Digestives have been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the character Paddington Bear is often depicted enjoying a digestive biscuit with his tea.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Having a digestive,” meaning to be having a snack or enjoying a treat, is a common idiomatic expression.

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to “digestive” include “biscuit,” “cookie,” “snack,” “tea,” and “coffee.”

Collocations

Common collocations with the term “digestive” include “digestive biscuit,” “digestive cookie,” “digestive with tea,” and “digestive with coffee.”

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use of the term “digestive” varies depending on the region and cultural context. However, it is generally more commonly used in British English than American English.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the term “digestive” include “desigative,” “digestiv,” and “digistive.”