Flavour

Definition

Flavour generally refers to the distinctive taste of a food or drink.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English (Note: In American English, the word is typically spelled "flavor")

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfleɪvər/
• Respelling: FLAY-vur (with "FLAY" as in "play" and "vur" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfleɪvə/
• Respelling: FLAY-vuh (with "FLAY" as in "play" and "vuh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "flavour" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FLAY." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, with a slight difference in the ending sound: "FLAY-vur" in American English and "FLAY-vuh" in British English.

Etymology

The word "flavour" comes from the Old French "flavor," which was derived from the Latin "flavus," meaning "yellow," referring to the color of ripe fruit. The term evolved in English during the Middle Ages to denote taste and smell, particularly in relation to food and drink.

Derivatives

• Flavourful (adjective)
• Flavourless (adjective)
• Flavouring (noun/verb)
• Flavoursome (adjective)
• Flavoured (adjective)

Synonyms

• Taste
• Savor
• Tang

Antonyms

• Blandness
• Tastelessness
• Insipidity

Usage

"Flavour" is widely used in both culinary and metaphorical contexts. In culinary terms, it describes the taste and aroma of food or beverages, often emphasizing the complexity and richness of these sensory experiences. In a broader sense, "flavour" can describe the distinctive quality or atmosphere of something, such as the "flavour" of a particular experience, event, or place.

Related Terms

• Palate: The sense of taste.
• Aroma: A pleasant and distinctive smell, especially of food or wine.
• Zest: The outer coloured part of the peel of citrus fruit, used as flavouring.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Taste and Aroma: Refers to the combination of taste and smell that is characteristic of a particular food or drink.
  • Example: The flavour of the soup was enhanced by fresh herbs.

• Character or Quality: In a broader sense, it refers to the distinctive character or atmosphere of something, often used metaphorically.
  • Example: The festival had a unique flavour that attracted visitors from all over the world.

• To Season or Enhance Taste: Describes the act of adding ingredients or spices to improve or alter the taste of food or drink.
  • Example: She flavoured the stew with garlic and rosemary.