semisweet

Thân thiện

A baker adds semisweet chocolate chips to a bowl of cookie dough.

Definition

AdjectiveHaving a taste that is partly bitter and partly sweet; not fully sweet. This term is most commonly used to describe certain types of chocolate or cocoa that contain a moderate amount of sugar.

Usage

The adjective "semisweet" is used directly before a noun to describe its flavor profile. It is a specific culinary term.

Examples

• Direct Modifier:
  • The recipe calls for semisweet chocolate chips.
  • She prefers the complex flavor of semisweet baking chocolate over milk chocolate.
  • This semisweet cocoa powder is perfect for making a rich, not-too-sweet hot chocolate.

Advanced Usage

• As a Predicate Adjective: While less common, it can follow a linking verb like "is" or "tastes."
  • This dark chocolate is semisweet, with just a hint of bitterness.
  • The sauce tastes semisweet, balancing the savory notes of the dish.

Variants and Related Words

• Bittersweet (Adjective): Often used interchangeably with "semisweet," especially for chocolate. It can more strongly emphasize the presence of both bitter and sweet flavors. In non-culinary contexts, "bittersweet" describes an emotional mix of happiness and sadness.

Synonyms

• Bittersweet
• Dark (when referring to chocolate, e.g., dark chocolate)
• Moderately sweet

Antonyms

• Sweet
• Bitter
• Milk (when referring to chocolate, e.g., milk chocolate)

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having a taste that is a mixture of bitterness and sweetness

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bittersweet