peppered
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpɛpərd/
KK: /ˈpɛpərd/
adjective
Definition
Having small spots or flecks of something, often used to describe food that is seasoned with pepper or something that is marked with small dots.
Example
The steak was peppered with spices to enhance its flavor.
Conversation
Have you tried the new restaurant downtown?
Not yet, but I heard their dishes are really peppered.
Yeah, I love how they add just the right amount of spice.
Same here! A little heat makes everything better.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spiced
dotted
freckled
Antonyms
plain
unseasoned
smooth
verb
Definition
To have added small pieces of something, like spices or other items, to a surface or mixture.
Example
She peppered the salad with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Tense Forms
Past: peppered
Past Participle: peppered
Conversation
I made some pasta for dinner last night.
Oh nice! Did you add a lot of spices?
Yeah, I peppered it pretty well to give it some kick.
Root Explanation
Peppered → It originates from the word 'pepper' (from Old English *pipor*, meaning a spice derived from the pepper plant) and the suffix '-ed' (indicating a past action or state). The word 'peppered' means to have been seasoned or sprinkled with pepper or to have been marked or dotted with something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pepper' as a spice that adds flavor, and when something is 'peppered', it means it has been sprinkled or marked with that spice.
Visually Confused Words
papered
lepered