Definition

1. Noun:

   • A pungent or aromatic substance used to flavor food: "Spice" refers to any of various dried plant products, such as seeds, fruits, roots, or bark, used to add flavor, aroma, and sometimes color to food.
   • Something that adds interest, excitement, or zest: "Spice" can also refer to an element that makes something more lively, exciting, or interesting.

2. Verb:

   • To add spice to food: The action of seasoning or flavoring food with spices.
   • To make something more interesting or exciting: The action of adding liveliness, variety, or excitement to a situation, story, or activity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Cinnamon and nutmeg are common spices used in baking.
  • A good mystery novel needs a spice of danger to keep readers engaged.

• Verb:

  • Remember to spice the stew before serving.
  • She told a joke to spice up her presentation.

Advanced Usage

• "Variety is the spice of life": A proverb meaning that new and exciting experiences make life more interesting.

  • He loves trying different hobbies; he truly believes variety is the spice of life.

• "Spice of life": Refers to the element that makes life enjoyable and interesting.

  • For him, travel is the spice of life.

Variants and Related Words

• Spicy (adj): Having a strong, pungent flavor from spices; also, slightly exciting or risqué.

  • I love spicy food.
  • The novel contained some spicy details.

• Spiciness (n): The quality of being spicy.

  • The spiciness of the curry was perfect.

Synonyms

• Seasoning (n): Something used to add flavor to food, such as salt, herbs, or spices.
• Zest (n): Great enthusiasm and energy; also, the outer colored part of citrus peel used as flavoring.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spice up: To make something more exciting, interesting, or appealing.
  • They decided to spice up their relationship by taking a trip together.
  • The chef spiced up the classic recipe with some chili flakes.

Related Idioms

• A spice of [something]: A small but noticeable amount of a particular quality.
  • His stories always have a spice of exaggeration. (This usage is reflected in the reference context: "a spice of malice," "a spice of envy.")

Noun

1. the property of being seasoned with spice and so highly flavored
2. any of a variety of pungent aromatic vegetable substances used for flavoring food
3. aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative

Verb

1. add herbs or spices to
2. make more interesting or flavorful
   • Spice up the evening by inviting a belly dancer