Breakfast or Brekfest
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the correct spelling of "Breakfast" and "Brekfest". This is a noun referring to the first meal of the day.
❌ Brekfest
This spelling is incorrect. "Brekfest" is a misspelling of the word "breakfast."
Incorrect Examples:
- • I had a quick brekfest this morning
- • The brekfest buffet was delicious
- • She skipped brekfest today
✅ Breakfast
This is the correct spelling. "Breakfast" is the proper English spelling.
Correct Examples:
- • I had a quick breakfast this morning
- • The breakfast buffet was delicious
- • She skipped breakfast today
Definition of Breakfast
Breakfast (noun): The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning after waking up.
Breakfast (verb): To eat breakfast; to have the first meal of the day.
The word literally means "breaking the fast" - referring to the period of not eating during sleep.
Synonyms for Breakfast
- • Morning meal
- • First meal
- • Early meal
- • Morning repast
- • Dawn meal
- • Morning sustenance
- • Day's first meal
- • Morning nourishment
Notes:
- • "Breakfast" is always spelled with "fast" at the end, not "fest"
- • The word comes from "break" + "fast" (meaning to break the overnight fast)
- • The pronunciation is /ˈbrekfəst/ (BREK-fuhst)
- • "Brekfest" is a common misspelling but is never correct
- • The word has been used in English since the 15th century
- • It's one of the most important meals of the day nutritionally
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people spell it "brekfest"?
A: This misspelling occurs because people hear the pronunciation and mistakenly think it ends with "fest" instead of "fast." The word actually means "breaking the fast."
Q: Is "brekfest" ever acceptable?
A: No, "brekfest" is always incorrect. Always use "breakfast" in all contexts.
Q: What's the origin of the word "breakfast"?
A: The word comes from the Old English "brecan" (to break) and "fæsten" (fast), literally meaning to break the overnight fast.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "break" + "fast" - you're breaking the overnight fast. The word ends with "fast," not "fest."
Summary
Breakfast is the correct spelling of this word. The incorrect spelling "brekfest" should never be used.
Remember: Breakfast = Break + fast (breaking the overnight fast). The word ends with "fast," not "fest," and refers to the first meal of the day.