Dinner vs Supper
Dinner and supper are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Dinner typically refers to a meal eaten earlier in the day, between 2 pm and 5 pm, while supper is a meal consumed later, between 7 pm and 11 pm. The understanding of dinner and supper varies across cultures, and both meals are generally eaten during the latter half of the day. This article will explore the dinner and supper customs of various countries and how to distinguish between the two meals.
Key Takeaways
- Dinner is the main meal of the day, usually eaten between 2 pm and 5 pm, while supper is a lighter meal eaten later in the evening, between 7 pm and 11 pm.
- The customs and definitions of dinner and supper vary across cultures, with some countries considering dinner their second lunch and others treating it as their evening meal.
- For Americans, “supper” typically refers to the normal evening meal eaten with family, while “dinner” is used when inviting guests to a meal in the evening.
What is Dinner?
The timing of dinner and supper varies from country to country and is influenced by eating habits. Dinner differs by culture, and in many countries, dinner is eaten before supper, often serving as a second lunch. Dinner typically consists of a heavier meal, considered the primary meal of the day. Many cultures follow a three-meal per day schedule and may replace dinner with lunch. Some countries view dinner as the evening meal, while native English speakers often use the term “dinner” to refer to the main meal of the day. In England, a common lunch might be a sandwich, while a dinner could include soup, meat with vegetables, and dessert. People worldwide generally agree that the evening meal should be lighter.
What is Supper?
Supper refers to meals eaten after dark and typically consists of a lighter meal that is not the primary meal of the day. Some cultures view lunch and supper as lighter meals, while dinner is characterized by a heavier meal. The term “supper” is primarily used by Americans, who consider it the meal eaten with family members at home. For Americans, “dinner” refers to a meal eaten with guests who have been invited to their home in the evening.
What is the difference between Dinner and Supper?
- Dinner is the main meal taken either around midday or in the evening, while supper is the light evening meal or light meal eaten after dark.
- Eating habits differ across cultures, but in all cultures, a lighter meal is eaten at night.
- Dinner is typically a heavier meal, while supper is a lighter meal.
- A traditional English dinner might include soup, meat with vegetables, and dessert.
- For Americans, the term “supper” refers to a normal evening meal, while “dinner” is used when inviting someone over for a meal in the evening.
