VocabDictionary

savory

/ˈseɪ.və.ri/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Having a rich, pleasant, salty, or spicy taste, as opposed to sweet.

Example Sentences:
  • She preferred savory snacks like roasted nuts and cheese over sugary desserts.
  • The chef prepared a rich, savory mushroom broth for the first course.
2.adjective

Morally acceptable, respectable, or wholesome (frequently used in negative contexts).

Example Sentences:
  • The investigator uncovered several details about the company's past that were less than savory.
  • He admitted to hanging around with a few characters who were not entirely savory.
3.noun

An aromatic plant of the mint family, used as a culinary herb for flavoring stews and meats.

Example Sentences:
  • Summer savory is a popular herb used in traditional poultry seasoning.
  • She added a pinch of dried savory to the simmering lentil soup.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “savory” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “savory”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'savory', derived from Old French 'savouree' (tasty), from 'savourer' (to taste), originating from Latin 'sapor' meaning 'flavor' or 'taste'. The noun referring to the herb traces back to Old English 'sætherie', derived from Latin 'satureia'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Savor every bite of a savory meal because it is full of rich, salty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About “savory

1. What is the meaning of “savory” in English?

In English, savory (adjective) is defined as: “Having a rich, pleasant, salty, or spicy taste, as opposed to sweet.”.

2. How do you use “savory” in a sentence?

She preferred savory snacks like roasted nuts and cheese over sugary desserts.

3. What are English synonyms of “savory”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “savory”?

From Middle English 'savory', derived from Old French 'savouree' (tasty), from 'savourer' (to taste), originating from Latin 'sapor' meaning 'flavor' or 'taste'. The noun referring to the herb traces back to Old English 'sætherie', derived from Latin 'satureia'.