delicious - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
delicious Word Meanings
- tasting very good
- pleasing to the taste
- extremely enjoyable
delicious Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
delicious Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈlɪʃ.əs/
US
/dɪˈlɪʃ.əs/
delicious Word Etymology
de- (down, from) + licious (from Latin 'delicia' meaning pleasure) → Latin → Old French → English. Picture a feast where every bite brings pure joy and satisfaction.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lift a spoon and move it toward my mouth. As I taste, the flavors shift from plain to bright. I feel a warm smile rise and I adjust my grip until the bite feels delicious. That brief moment nudges me to choose meals with that spark again.
Real Context
Delicious is a vivid, high-intensity word used for foods that taste exceptionally good and give great pleasure. It is stronger than tasty or good and can carry a sense of indulgence or luxury. In English we describe flavors, textures, or even aromas as delicious, but not every tasty experience qualifies—very bland foods may be tasty but not delicious. Learners often overgeneralize and say delicious for things that are merely nice or impressive but not truly delicious. It can also appear in metaphorical phrases like delicious irony, but that usage is rare and usually playful. The adverb form is deliciously, as in the cake tasted deliciously rich.
Usage Reminders
- Use delicious for foods that taste exceptionally good
- Stronger than tasty or yummy
- Can describe aroma as well as flavor
- Not usually used for non-food objects, unless metaphorical
- Adverb form is deliciously
Common Misconceptions
- Delicious describes smells only, not taste
- Anything nice can be delicious
- Delicious can describe emotions or people
- Delicious replaces tasty in all foods
- Delicious ≠ everything that tastes good
Thinking Differences
For English learners, delicious signals strong culinary pleasure and is not a generic compliment. It’s more intensity than 'tasty' and reserved for truly flavorful experiences. Learners often overextend to non-food things or apply it to smells alone; remember aroma can be delicious but the context usually centers on tasting.
Learning Tips
- Note when to use delicious vs tasty or yummy
- Pair with nouns like a delicious cake or a delicious meal
- Describe both flavor and aroma when appropriate
- Avoid using for non-food objects unless in a clear metaphor
- Remember the adverb form: deliciously
- Practice with varied foods to feel the intensity
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'delicious' correctly?
A.I had a delicious dream last night.
B.The movie was so delicious!
C.The delicious plant needs more water.
D.Her delicious shoes matched her dress.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'delicious'?
A.Scrumptious
B.Bland
C.Sour
D.Dry
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'delicious'?
A.Awful
B.Salty
C.Delightful
D.Yummy
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for 'delicious'?
A.The bakery sold mouth-watering desserts.
B.The new restaurant had a long menu.
C.His speech was inspiring and eloquent.
D.The weather forecast predicted rain.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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