savory - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
savory Word Meanings
- Having a pleasant taste or flavor; tasty.
- Not sweet; often salty, spicy, or herbaceous in flavor.
- Figuratively, something agreeable or wholesome in character or quality.
savory Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
savory Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈseɪ.vəri/
US
/ˈseɪ.vɚ.i/
savory Word Etymology
Root decomposition: the root is savor/savour meaning taste, with the suffix -y turning it into an adjective; the British form savoury is a close variant. Historical origin: from Latin sapor meaning taste or flavor, via Old French savour/savourer into English. Memory image: picture a sprig of savory releasing a bright aroma as you cook a savory stew.
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 InputReal Context
Savory describes foods with a pleasant taste that is not sweet. It usually means salty, tangy, spicy, or herbaceous flavors that come from seasonings, meat, vegetables, or fungi. In everyday cooking, a savory dish contrasts with desserts and sugary snacks; a savory pie, a savory sauce, or a savory crouton adds depth and umami. The word also has a figurative sense: something described as savory can mean wholesome or agreeable in character, not just tastiness. The British spelling savoury is common in the UK and Commonwealth, while savory is preferred in American English, though both are understood. Understanding these nuances helps avoid misreadings in recipes, menus, and reviews from different regions.
Usage Reminders
- - Describe foods that are not sweet.
- - Savory usually refers to salty, spicy, or herbaceous flavors.
- - Do not use savory to mean simply tasty; some tasty foods may be sweet.
- - Note spelling differences: savoury (British) vs savory (American).
- - Use phrases like savory dish, savory sauce, or savory pastry; savory can also describe a wholesome character.
Common Misconceptions
- Savory means salty only.
- Savory is the same as delicious or tasty in all contexts.
- All savory foods are spicy or intensely flavored.
- Savory cannot describe a person or a concept.
- Savory and savoury refer to different words with different meanings.
Thinking Differences
In English, savory is a broad taste category that clearly excludes sweetness; many other languages bundle sweet and non-sweet flavors together or use a single word for tasty in general. Learners often translate savory as delicious or salty, or confuse it with spicy. The nuance about herbaceous or umami flavors is easy to miss unless you hear it in menus or recipes from different regions.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core senses: not sweet, often salty or herbaceous.
- Practice with common phrases: savory dish, savory sauce, savory pastry.
- Compare with sweet: identify contexts where a contrast is intended.
- Notice regional spelling: savoury vs savory.
- Use figurative sense by noting contexts describing character or quality.
- Listen for flavor cues in recipes and restaurant descriptions.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'savory'?
A.Spicy
B.Sweet
C.Bitter
D.Tasty
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'savory' used correctly?
A.She baked a savory apple pie.
B.He drank a savory smoothie.
C.The dish had a sweet flavor, not savory.
D.The ice cream was savory and refreshing.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'savory'?
A.Bland
B.Salty
C.Sour
D.Delicious
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'savory'?
A.Tasty
B.Unappetizing
C.Flavorful
D.Palatable
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you describe something as 'savory'?
A.Baking cookies
B.Eating ice cream
C.Cooking a delicious stew
D.Drinking lemonade
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