grammar - Meaning of "でも" in "食事でもどうですか？"

I've found this sentence on alc.co.jp

食事でもどうですか

and I am puzzled as to meaning this でも conveys. How does it differ from

食事はどうですか

which would be my first choice; however, according to google, is used less often ?

Thank you for your time.

Answer

This でも is used to mean "〜 or something", usually in regards to suggestions. It leaves room for other options.

• 食事でもどうですか　→　How about something to eat (or something else)?


• お茶にでもいかない？　→　Would you like to go out for tea maybe?

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