Definition

A thick, smooth sauce often made from tomatoes, used as a condiment for food.

Example

I like to put ketchup on my fries.

Conversation

Do you like to put ketchup on your fries?

Absolutely! It makes them taste so much better.

I agree! I can't eat fries without ketchup now.

Same here! It's just the perfect combo.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ketchup originates from the Chinese word 'kê-tsiap', which refers to a pickled fish sauce. The term was adapted into Malay as 'kecap', meaning soy sauce, and eventually made its way into English. The word 'ketchup' refers to a condiment that evolved from these early sauces.

Memory Tip

Imagine the journey of 'ketchup' from a fish sauce ('kê-tsiap') to the tomato-based condiment we know today. This helps you remember that ketchup has its roots in a variety of sauces.

Visually Confused Words