Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of date
"The museum has two dates from the 18th century on display in the new exhibit."
In plain English: Dates are small, sweet fruits that grow on trees and are often eaten dried as a snack.
"They arranged their dates for next Saturday evening."
Usage: Use "dates" to refer specifically to dried fruit or a calendar day, not to romantic meetings in that context. Avoid using it when you mean an appointment with someone, as that usage is informal and often considered incorrect in standard writing.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of date
"She dates a guy from her office building."
In plain English: To date means to schedule a romantic meeting with someone.
"I need to date my passport before I can travel abroad."
Usage: Do not use the verb "dates" to mean having a romantic relationship with someone; instead, say that you are "dating" them. Use "dates" only when referring to something occurring on a specific calendar day or being scheduled for a particular time.
Derived from the Latin datus, meaning "given," this term originally referred to something bestowed or granted before evolving into the fruit name via Arabic influence. The modern sense of specific calendar days also stems from the same root, implying a time that has been assigned or provided.