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Definition of treat noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

 

treat

 noun
noun
NAmE//trit//
 
 
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something very pleasant and enjoyable, especially something that you give someone or do for them We took the kids to the zoo as a special treat. You've never been to this area before? Then you're in for a real treat. When I was young, chocolate was a treat. Let's go out for lunch—my treat (= I will pay). Thesauruspleasure
  • delight
  • joy
  • privilege
  • treat
  • honor
These are all words for things that make you happy or bring you enjoyment.
  • pleasure a thing that brings you enjoyment or satisfaction:the pleasures and pains of everyday life It's been a pleasure talking with you.
  • delight a thing or person that brings you great enjoyment or satisfaction:the delights of living in the country
  • joy a thing or person that brings you great enjoyment or happiness:the joys and sorrows of childhood
pleasure, delight, or joy?
  • A delight or a joy is greater than a pleasure; a person, especially a child, can be a delight or joy, but not a pleasure;joys are often contrasted with sorrows, but delights are not.
  • privilege (somewhat formal) something that you are proud and lucky to have the opportunity to do:It was a great privilege to hear her sing.
  • treat (informal) a thing that someone enjoyed or is likely to enjoy very much:You've never been to this area before? Then you're in for a real treat.
  • honor (formal) something that you are very pleased or proud to do because people are showing you great respect:It was a great honor to be invited to speak here today.
Patterns
  • the pleasures/delights/joys of something
  • It's a great pleasure/joy >to me that…>
  • It's a pleasure/delight/joy/privilege/treat/honor >to do something>
  • It's a pleasure/delight/joy >to see/find…>
  • a pleasure/delight/joy to behold/watch
  • a real pleasure/delight/joy/privilege/treat
  • a great pleasure/joy/privilege/honor
  • a rare joy/privilege/treat/honor
see trick
See treat in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary