salivate
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsælɪveɪt/
KK: /sælɪveɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To produce saliva, often in response to the smell or thought of food.
Example
The delicious aroma of the cookies made me salivate.
Tense Forms
Past: salivated
Past Participle: salivated
Conversation
I can't stop thinking about that chocolate cake we saw yesterday.
Right? Just the thought of it makes me salivate.
I know! I wish we had some right now.
Me too! Let's plan to get a slice after lunch.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
drool
slaver
dribble
Antonyms
dry
dehydrate
withhold
transitive verb
Definition
To produce saliva, especially in response to the smell or thought of food.
Example
The delicious aroma of the cookies made me salivate.
Tense Forms
Past: salivated
Past Participle: salivated
Conversation
I just walked past the bakery, and the smell made me salivate!
I know what you mean; their fresh bread is so tempting.
I couldn't help but think about how good a warm pastry would taste.
Root Explanation
Salivate → It is formed from "saliva" (from Latin *saliva*, meaning the fluid produced in the mouth) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a process or action). The word "salivate" means to produce saliva, typically in response to the anticipation of food.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'saliva' which refers to the fluid in your mouth, and remember that 'salivate' means the action of producing that fluid.
Visually Confused Words
insalivate
unsalivated
valvate
sylvate
solvate
sivaite
satiate
salvage