What does the English word breakfast literally mean based on its construction?

Answer

To "break the fast"

The etymology of the word 'breakfast' directly reveals its intended meaning in English. It is constructed from two components: 'break' and 'fast.' 'Fast' refers specifically to the period of voluntarily abstaining from food consumption, which conventionally occurs during sleep. Therefore, the term inherently describes the *action* of consuming the first meal after this period of abstinence is concluded, regardless of the hour on the clock. This literal definition emphasizes the physical state of having ended a fast rather than adhering to a specific time on the solar schedule. If one sleeps for an extended period during the day, the subsequent first meal remains conceptually tied to this act of terminating the fasting period.

Related Questions

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