spice
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /spaɪs/
KK: /spaɪs/
noun
Definition
A substance made from plants that is used to add flavor or aroma to food and drinks.
Example
She added a pinch of spice to the soup to enhance its flavor.
Conversation
I just added some new spice to my pasta sauce.
Oh really? What kind of spice did you use?
I used oregano and a bit of chili for heat.
That sounds delicious! I love when dishes have a good spice to them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
seasoning
flavoring
herb
Antonyms
blandness
dullness
tastelessness
transitive verb
Definition
To add flavor or zest to food by using spices.
Example
She decided to spice the soup with some chili powder.
Tense Forms
Past: spiced
Past Participle: spiced
Conversation
Do you think we should spice up the pasta tonight?
Definitely! A little extra flavor would be great.
Maybe we can add some garlic and herbs to really spice it up.
Root Explanation
Spice → The word originates from Old French *espice* (meaning a substance that adds flavor) and Latin *species* (meaning kind or sort). It refers to a substance that adds flavor or aroma to food, indicating a variety of flavors.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old French word for flavor, 'espice', to remember that spice adds flavor to food.
Visually Confused Words
splice
sice
pice
splicer
hospice
bespice
auspice
spite