cream
cream
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "cream" is: /kriːm/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
Syllable 1: "cre" - /kriː/
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/r/ - alveolar trill (or approximant in some dialects)
/iː/ - close front unrounded long vowel
Syllable 2: "am" - /m/
/m/ - bilabial nasal
Word Form Variations
cream (noun, singular, uncountable): This is the base form, referring to the thick, fatty part of milk, or a creamy substance. It can also be used as an adjective, as in "cream-colored."
creams (noun, plural, countable): This refers to multiple portions or types of cream, often in cosmetic contexts (e.g., "face creams"). It can also refer to a specific type of sweet confection.
creamed (verb, past tense/past participle): This is the past tense and past participle of the verb "to cream," meaning to mix something until it has a creamy consistency. It can also be used as an adjective (e.g., "creamed corn").
creaming (verb, present participle/gerund): This is the present participle of the verb "to cream." It can also be used as a noun (gerund), as in "the creaming of the butter."
creamy (adjective): Describes something that has the texture or richness of cream.
creamier (adjective, comparative): The comparative form of "creamy."
creamiest (adjective, superlative): The superlative form of "creamy."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun (Uncountable)
Definition 1: The fatty, rich part of milk that rises to the top and is often used in cooking.
Synonyms: Dairy cream, milkfat, richness, top milk
Antonyms: Skim milk, low-fat milk, watery liquid
Definition 2: A thick, smooth, and often sweet substance resembling cream, used in food or cosmetics.
Synonyms: Lotion, emollient, unguent, salve, balm (cosmetics); custard, mousse, pudding (food)
Antonyms: (Difficult to find direct antonyms as this is broad, but could be) thin liquid, watery substance, gel
Noun (Countable)
Definition: A specific type or portion of cream, often in a cosmetic or culinary context.
Synonyms: Portion, serving, dollop, dab, application (cosmetics); confection, dessert (culinary)
Antonyms: (Again, difficult to find direct antonyms, but could be) large quantity, bulk
Verb (Transitive)
Definition: To mix or beat something until it has a smooth, creamy consistency.
Synonyms: Blend, whip, churn, emulsify, froth, beat
Antonyms: Separate, curdle, thin, liquefy
Adjective
Definition 1: Having the rich, smooth texture of cream.
Synonyms: Smooth, velvety, rich, luscious, silky, unctuous
Antonyms: Thin, watery, runny, coarse, lumpy
Definition 2: Of a pale yellowish-white color, like that of cream.
Synonyms: Off-white, ivory, beige, ecru, pale yellow
Antonyms: Brightly colored, vibrant, dark, saturated
Adverb (Rare)
While "cream" isn't commonly used as an adverb, you could theoretically use it descriptively, similar to how one might use "silky" or "smoothly." For example: "The sauce flowed cream-like over the pasta." This usage is non-standard.
Examples of Use
Noun (Uncountable):
Cooking: "Add a cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer flavor." (General public discourse/recipe)
Beauty: "This face cream is designed to moisturize dry skin." (Cosmetic advertisement/online publication)
Dairy: "The cream rose to the top of the milk." (General public discourse/scientific explanation)
Figurative: "He is the cream of the crop." (Idiom/general public discourse)
Noun (Countable):
Cosmetics: "She bought several different creams for her skincare routine." (Online beauty blog/review)
Desserts: "The bakery offers a variety of creams, including chocolate and vanilla." (Restaurant menu/general public discourse)
Verb:
Cooking: "Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy." (Recipe from a cookbook - The Joy of Cooking is a classic example)
Figurative: "The politician was creamed in the election." (News article/political commentary - this is a more informal, slang usage)
Adjective:
Color: "She wore a cream-colored dress." (Novel/descriptive writing)
Texture: "The soup had a creamy texture." (Restaurant review/online publication)
Examples from various media:
Book: "The cat lapped up the cream with relish." (From a children's book - many examples exist)
Newspaper: "Rising milk prices are affecting the cost of cream." (News article about economics)
Online Publication: "This DIY recipe for whipped cream is easy to follow." (Food blog/online magazine)
Entertainment: In the movie Whiplash, the main character's drumming is described as the "cream of the crop" by his demanding instructor. (Film dialogue)
Public Discourse: "I prefer my coffee with cream." (Casual conversation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Cream
"The cream always rises to the top." (Proverb/common saying - often attributed to various sources but rarely found in a verifiable original form) - This is a metaphorical use, referring to the best people or things succeeding.
"The cream of the crop." (Idiom/common saying) - Again, this is a very common idiom, but pinning down a definitive origin and quote is difficult. It refers to the best of a group.
"Power is the cream of the milk of human kindness." (Jessie Redmon Fauset, There Is Confusion) - This is a literary example, using "cream" metaphorically to represent the best or most potent part.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." (Helen Keller)1 - While not using "cream" directly, this captures the sentiment of the "cream rises to the top" proverb in a more poetic way. It speaks to the value of intangible qualities.
"Quality is not an act, it is a habit." (Aristotle) - Similar to the above, this emphasizes the importance of consistent excellence, which aligns with the idea of "cream" representing the best.
"Excellence is not a destination, it is a journey." (Author unknown) - This quote, though not using "cream," echoes the concept of striving for the best, which is often associated with the word.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." (Steve Jobs) - While not about "cream," this speaks to the passion and dedication that often lead to achieving top performance, the metaphorical equivalent of rising to the top.
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." (Albert Einstein) - This quote emphasizes the importance of intrinsic worth, a quality that might be considered part of the "cream" of human character.
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." (Jimmy Johnson) - This quote, while not using "cream," highlights the small things that separate the best from the rest, similar to the idea of the "cream" rising.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." (Winston Churchill) - This quote, like many of the others, does not use "cream" directly, but it speaks to the resilience and perseverance often required to reach the top, the metaphorical place where the "cream" resides.
Etymology
The word "cream" has a pretty straightforward origin, coming from the Latin word crama, which referred to the thicker part of milk, the part that rises to the top. Think of it like the "crest" or "best" of the milk.
This Latin word crama then made its way into Old French as cresme. From there, it entered Middle English around the 13th century as "creme." So, you can see a direct line of descent: Latin crama -> Old French cresme -> Middle English "creme."
The first known uses of "cream" in English, around that 13th-century mark, were indeed about that thick, fatty part of milk. It was a very literal, dairy-related term. It wasn't until later that the word began to be used metaphorically, to refer to the best part of something, like "the cream of the crop," which is a much more abstract use of the word.
So, in a nutshell, "cream" started out as a very practical word for a specific dairy product and gradually expanded its meaning over time to encompass ideas of richness, quality, and the best of something. It's a journey from the farm to figurative language!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Cream
Commonly Used Phrases and Idioms:
Cream of the crop: This is by far the most common idiom. It means the best of a group or category.
The cream rises to the top: This proverb suggests that the best people or things will naturally succeed or become prominent.
Double cream/heavy cream/whipping cream: These are all descriptive phrases referring to specific types of cream used in cooking.
Ice cream: A very common compound noun.
Creamy texture/consistency: Descriptive phrases related to food.
Why the scarcity of idioms?
The reason "cream" doesn't have a huge number of idioms is likely because its core meaning is quite specific. It's tied to a tangible thing (the fatty part of milk). While it has been used metaphorically, the metaphorical uses haven't branched out into a wide variety of idiomatic expressions.
Supplementing with lesser-known or original phrases, and synonymous idioms:
Since finding established idioms with "cream" is difficult, here are some options:
Original/Descriptive: "A cream-smooth finish" (describes a texture). "The cream of the morning" (evokes a sense of freshness and the best part of the day). "Cream-white" (a color description).
Synonymous Idioms (using similar concepts):
"The pick of the litter" (similar to "cream of the crop").
"Top-tier" or "top-shelf" (referring to the best quality).
"A cut above" (meaning superior).
"The elite" (referring to the best in a group).
"Head and shoulders above" (signifying a clear superiority).
Metaphorical Extensions (not strictly idioms): You could use "cream" more poetically or metaphorically in phrases like "the cream of his thoughts" (meaning his best ideas), but these are less established idioms and more creative uses of the word.
It's important to recognize that a phrase becomes an idiom through repeated use and general acceptance within a language community. The synonymous examples above capture the spirit of "cream" as representing the best, even if they don't use the word itself.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of cream from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
