How Do You Spell DEMITASSE?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛmɪtˌas] (IPA)

Demitasse, pronounced /ˈdɛmɪtæs/, is a French word that refers to a small cup used for serving coffee. The spelling of this word is influenced by French pronunciation, where the final "e" is often silent. However, in English, it is pronounced with a short "e" sound at the end. The word is spelled with an "i" instead of an "e" after the "m" because of the spelling rule that states that the letter "i" comes before "e" in words that contain the sound /ɛ/.

DEMITASSE Meaning and Definition

  1. Demitasse is a noun of French origin, derived from the words "demi," meaning half, and "tasse," meaning cup. It refers to a small, narrow and delicate cup used for serving and drinking strong black coffee, particularly espresso.

    Traditionally, demitasse cups are made from fine china or porcelain and have a capacity of around 2 to 3 fluid ounces, which is significantly smaller than a regular coffee cup. The diminutive size of the demitasse allows for a concentrated and intense coffee experience, where the strong flavor of the espresso is fully savored and appreciated.

    Demitasse cups are often accompanied by matching saucers, which provide stability and a convenient resting place for the cup. The saucers can also serve as a platform for serving a small spoon or optional sugar cubes alongside the coffee.

    Due to its small size and elegant design, the demitasse is commonly used in formal dining settings, high-end restaurants, and coffeehouses. It has become a symbol of refinement and sophistication, often associated with the tradition of serving coffee after a meal in European cultures.

    In summary, a demitasse is a small cup designed for the consumption of strong black coffee, primarily espresso. It is characterized by its delicate construction, tiny size, and is often used in elegant settings to enhance the overall coffee-drinking experience.

Common Misspellings for DEMITASSE

Etymology of DEMITASSE

The word "demitasse" comes from the French language. It is derived from the combination of two French words: "demi", meaning "half", and "tasse", meaning "cup". Therefore, "demitasse" literally translates to "half-cup" in French. It refers to a small cup or glass typically used for serving small portions of strong coffee, such as espresso or Turkish coffee.

Plural form of DEMITASSE is DEMITASSES