peppery
/'pepəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Having a hot, pungent taste like pepper: Describes food or flavor that is spicy and sharp, similar to black pepper or chili peppers. 2. Easily angered or irritable: Describes a person who has a quick, fiery temper. 3. Sharp or stinging in style: Describes language, criticism, or writing that is biting, caustic, or full of sharp wit.
Usage and Examples
- Describing taste:
- The soup was too peppery for my liking.
- He makes a delicious, peppery sauce for the grilled meat.
- Describing temperament:
- The old captain was known for his peppery disposition.
- She gave a peppery reply when her authority was questioned.
- Describing language or style:
- The journalist was famous for his peppery editorials.
- The debate was filled with peppery exchanges between the candidates.
Advanced Usage
- "Peppery" can be used metaphorically beyond taste to describe anything with a sharp, lively, or aggressive quality.
- The musician delivered a peppery solo that energized the crowd. (Here, it suggests a lively, staccato, or fiery performance style.)
Variants and Related Words
- Pepper (noun/verb): The spice itself; or to sprinkle or season with pepper.
- Peppercorn (noun): The dried berry of the pepper plant.
Synonyms
- Spicy, hot, pungent, piquant (for taste).
- Irritable, hot-tempered, fiery, testy, choleric (for temperament).
- Caustic, biting, acerbic, sharp, trenchant (for language).
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A peppery remark: A sharp or stinging comment.
- He concluded his speech with a few peppery remarks aimed at his critics.
Adjective
- having the piquant burning taste of peppers
- corn chips with peppery salsa