entrée

A guest enjoys the first entrée of the evening.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Right or privilege of access: "entrée" refers to the right or privilege of entering a place or joining a group, especially a social or professional one.
   • First course of a meal: In cuisine, "entrée" denotes the first course served at a formal meal, typically a light dish before the main course.

Usage Examples

• As right of access:

  • Her family connections gave her entrée into high society. (Her family ties provided her the privilege of joining elite social circles.)
  • A letter of recommendation can provide entrée to exclusive clubs. (A recommendation letter can grant access to private organizations.)

• As first course:

  • We started with a seafood entrée before the roast beef. (We began the meal with a light seafood dish.)
  • The restaurant offers a choice of soup or salad as an entrée. (The first course includes either soup or salad.)

Advanced Usage

• "to gain entrée": to obtain the right of access or admission.

  • He gained entrée to the diplomatic corps through his work as a translator. (He obtained admission to the group of diplomats.)

• "to provide entrée": to facilitate access or introduction.

  • The art exhibition provided entrée for the young painter to the gallery world. (The exhibition allowed the painter to enter the art market.)

Variants and Related Words

• Entrée (culinary context): In North America, "entrée" often means the main course of a meal, differing from its European meaning as a starter. This is a regional variant.
  • For the entrée, we ordered steak and potatoes. (In the US, this means the main dish.)

Synonyms

• Access: the means or right to approach or enter.
• Admission: the act of allowing entry.
• Introduction: a formal presentation that facilitates entry into a group.

Related Idioms

• Entrée into: a phrase used to describe gaining entry into a specific domain.
  • His talent gave him entrée into the world of professional music. (His skill allowed him to enter the music industry.)

Notes on Usage

• The word "entrée" is borrowed from French, and its pronunciation in English often retains a French-like quality (e.g., "ON-tray").
• In formal dining, "entrée" traditionally refers to the first course, but in modern American usage, it commonly means the main course. Context is crucial for interpretation.