Cook Meaning
Cook Definition & Usage
To prepare food by heating it, typically by boiling, baking, frying, or grilling.
Examples
- "She loves to cook dinner for her family every evening."
- "He cooked a delicious meal for his friends last night."
- "The chef cooked the steak to perfection."
- "I will cook the pasta and sauce together for a quick dinner."
- "We spent the afternoon cooking our favorite recipes."
To manipulate or prepare something in a way that is advantageous or deceitful, often to achieve a desired outcome.
Examples
- "They tried to cook the books to hide the company's financial problems."
- "He cooked up an elaborate story to explain his absence."
- "The team was caught cooking the results of the survey."
- "She cooked up a plan to surprise everyone on their anniversary."
- "The detective suspected that the crime scene had been cooked to mislead the investigation."
To heat or get heated to a high temperature.
Examples
- "The metal began to cook under the intense heat of the furnace."
- "It’s so hot outside; the streets are practically cooking in the summer sun."
- "He stood too close to the fire and his jacket started to cook."
- "The pan was so hot that the oil began to cook instantly."
- "The engine was cooking from the long hours of use."
Cultural Context
The act of cooking has been central to human society for thousands of years, serving both as a necessity for survival and a means of social bonding. Cooking practices vary significantly across cultures, from the simplest methods of grilling or boiling to the sophisticated techniques of French cuisine or Asian stir-frying. In modern times, cooking has evolved from a purely functional activity to an art form, with professional chefs gaining recognition for their creativity and expertise.
The Secret Recipe
Story
The Secret Recipe
It was a quiet Saturday afternoon when Sophie decided to cook something special. She had always enjoyed experimenting with different recipes, but today she felt inspired to make something that reminded her of her grandmother’s kitchen—roast chicken with rosemary potatoes. As she heated the oven to the perfect temperature, she began chopping vegetables, careful not to overcook them. ‘I’ve got to get this just right,’ she thought to herself, recalling how her grandmother’s cooking always seemed to bring the family together. But as she reached for the chicken, Sophie’s brother James barged in with an idea. ‘You know,’ he said, ‘I think I’ve figured out how we can cook the books to make this year’s finances look better.’ Sophie stopped mid-slice. ‘What?’ she asked, incredulous. ‘Come on, it’s a simple thing—just manipulate a few numbers here and there. We’ll make everything look fine.’ ‘James, are you serious?’ Sophie asked, trying not to lose her temper. ‘I don’t want any part of that. You can’t just cook the numbers like you’re throwing together a salad.’ James shrugged, clearly not understanding her point. Sophie returned to her chicken, remembering her grandmother’s words: ‘Real cooking, Sophie, isn’t about tricks or shortcuts. It’s about patience and honesty.’ With a deep breath, she placed the chicken in the oven and closed the door, feeling a sense of peace. As the kitchen began to fill with the scent of roasting herbs and meat, Sophie realized that the most important thing in cooking—and in life—was to let things unfold naturally. No shortcuts. No tricks. Just good, honest effort. As the evening went on, Sophie’s family gathered around the dinner table, enjoying the meal she had cooked with care and love. James, meanwhile, kept his financial plans to himself. Sophie knew that the real recipe for success didn’t involve cutting corners—it was all about authenticity, whether in the kitchen or in life.
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