savour - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
savour Word Meanings
- to taste or smell something with patience and pleasure
- to have a particular flavor or quality that is noticeable and enjoyable
- to relish or enjoy something fully, including experiences or opportunities
savour Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
savour Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɔː.və/
US
/ˈseɪ.vər/
savour Word Etymology
(a) Root decomposition: no prefix; root from Latin sapor meaning taste; English formed with French -our/ -our suffix to mark noun/verb. (b) Historical origin: Latin sapor → Old French saveur/savour → English savour (Middle English). (c) Memory image: a chef slowly savoring a steaming bowl, steam curling into the letters of the word savour.
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
Savour is a verb meaning to taste or smell something with patience and pleasure; to have a particular flavor or quality that is noticeable and enjoyable; to relish or enjoy something fully, including experiences or opportunities. The British spelling savour is common for the verb in the UK and many other regions; its related noun is savour and the word often appears in phrases like savour the moment. Etymology points to Latin sapor meaning taste, moving through Old French saveur/savour into Middle English, with a memory image of a chef slowly savoring a steaming bowl as steam curls into the letters.
Usage Reminders
- Note that savour can refer to taste as well as to mood or experience
- Use savour with both food and non-food things (savour the moment)
- Avoid confusing savour with savory (adj meaning tasty)
- Remember British spelling savour, American English uses savor
- Collocations: savour the flavor, savour the moment, savour every detail
Common Misconceptions
- Savour only relates to food, not experiences
- Confusing savour with savory as a meaning difference rather than spelling
- Using savor in UK English
- Thinking savour is the same as ‘reserve’ or ‘save’
- Forgetting savour can mean both taste and enjoy
Thinking Differences
In English, savour covers both tasting literally and deeply enjoying experiences; learners often think it only applies to food or confuse the noun with savory (the adjective for tasty).
Learning Tips
- Practice both food and experience phrases (savour the flavor, savour the moment).
- Keep British spelling with the verb; use savor only in American contexts.
- Pair with adjectives like slow, lingering, mindful to reinforce nuance.
- Notice collocations: savour every bite, savour the memory, savour the opportunity.
- Read and listen to both literal and metaphorical uses to internalize meaning.
- Create a short daily sentence using savour in a new context.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which is the best definition of the word 'savour'?
A.To refuse or turn down something with disdain
B.To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on its taste or other pleasing qualities
C.To inspect or analyze something for technical errors
D.To consume something quickly without appreciating it
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'savour' correctly?
A.They savour the engine to see if it would start this morning.
B.He savour the book for errors before submitting it to his teacher.
C.She paused between bites to savour the rich chocolate mousse.
D.Please savour these plates into the cabinet after washing them.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'savour'?
A.relish
B.consume
C.ignore
D.detect
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the best opposite (antonym) of 'savour'?
A.appreciate
B.enjoy
C.dislike
D.consume
Step 5: Mastery
Which real-life scenario is best suited for using the word 'savour'?
A.Can you think of a time you rejected a meal because it tasted bad?
B.Can you give an example of quickly eating a sandwich between meetings?
C.Can you describe a quiet moment when you slowly enjoyed a cup of tea and paid attention to every sip?
D.Can you explain how you check the thermostat to see if the heater is working?
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