Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely pleasing to the sense of taste: Used to describe food or drink that is delicious and delightful.
   • Capable of arousing desire; delightful: Used to describe something that is very attractive, charming, or enjoyable.

Usage and Examples

• Describing Food or Taste:

  • The chef prepared a delectable chocolate dessert.
  • The aroma from the bakery was a promise of something delectable.

• Describing Something Delightful or Attractive:

  • She wore a delectable gown to the party.
  • We spent a delectable afternoon by the lake.

Advanced Usage

• In a literary or formal context: Often used to add a sense of refined pleasure or strong appeal.
  • The poet described the scene in delectable detail.
  • He found the prospect of a quiet evening utterly delectable.

Variants and Related Words

• Delectably (adverb): In a delectable manner.
  • The cake was delectably rich.
• Delectation (noun): Pleasure and delight.
  • The performance was presented for the delectation of the audience.

Synonyms

• Delicious: Very pleasant to taste.
• Delightful: Causing delight; charming.
• Scrumptious: Extremely tasty or appetizing (informal).
• Luscious: Having a pleasingly rich, sweet taste or being very attractive.

Antonyms

• Disgusting: Arousing revulsion or strong indignation.
• Unappetizing: Not inviting or attractive, especially in relation to food.
• Repulsive: Arousing intense distaste or disgust.

Idioms and Phrases

• A delectable morsel: A small piece of delicious food, or figuratively, a very appealing piece of information or gossip.
  • She offered us a delectable morsel of scandal.

Adjective

1. capable of arousing desire
   • the delectable Miss Haynes
2. extremely pleasing to the sense of taste