spice
/spais/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- the property of being seasoned with spice and so highly flavored
- any of a variety of pungent aromatic vegetable substances used for flavoring food
- aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative
Verb
- add herbs or spices to
- make more interesting or flavorful
- Spice up the evening by inviting a belly dancer