Savory

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Savory" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe food that is flavorful, often salty or spicy, rather than sweet. An example is: "The savory dish was a hit at the dinner party." Alternative expressions include "flavorful," "tasty," and "delectable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food writing

Culinary arts

General descriptions of taste and flavor

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Inspired by Savory, Fernald instituted "mob grazing" at Belcampo, shrinking the paddocks and packing them with animals.

The New Yorker

In the late nineteen-fifties, Savory watched the Luangwa Valley, where he was stationed as a game ranger, turning into desert, with crusted, bare soil and oxidizing plants.

The New Yorker

Whether you choose 8 or 10 courses for dinner, the final savory one is always diner's choice: a rice dish.

The New York Times - Food

Ezov, the hyssop of the Bible, was historically used in ritual cleansing of lepers but is not Hyssopus officinalis, which is alien to Palestine; it may have been a species of caper or savory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Quinoa is commonly boiled like rice and can be used in sweet or savory dishes, or ground as a flour to fortify baked goods.

Britannica

There are five accepted Aristotelian sub-modalities of taste salt, acid, sweet, bitter, and savory (umami that are segregated to some extent in different regions of the mouth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But other classic diner fare — a fluffy stack of huckleberry-topped buttermilk pancakes, a crisp and golden grilled cheese, a hamburger upgraded with beef from Pat LaFrieda and savory roasted tomato — hit the spot unimpeachably, as did a breakfast bowl of cheese grits under two perfectly poached eggs and chard-covered toast.

The New Yorker

Critic Dan Morgenstern called the Savory collection a "treasure trove".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The filmmakers minimize or leave out many aspects of Avery's less than savory past, including multiple alleged incidents of physical and sexual violence.

The New Yorker

We bantered a bit before Mondale appeared, competing to describe in savory detail who ate the best hero sandwiches while growing up in an Italian neighborhood — his in Corona, mine in Coney Island.

The New Yorker

Scott Hines, an architect, said, "I tend to like savory cocktails, but often find them very ham-handed".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "savory" to distinguish between salty/umami flavors and sweet flavors. It adds clarity to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "savory" to describe non-food experiences unless you intend to draw a direct analogy to taste. For example, using it to describe a business deal is often inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "savory" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a particular quality of taste or smell. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where "savory" describes dishes, flavors, and aromas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "savory" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe flavors that are not sweet, encompassing salty, spicy, and umami tastes. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in food-related writing, as well as news and media. While versatile, it's best used to describe food or flavors to avoid misinterpretation. Related phrases include "flavorful" and "tasty", offering similar nuances depending on context. Ludwig AI demonstrates that the term is well-established and widely understood, making it a valuable tool for food writers and culinary enthusiasts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasty

A simple and direct way to describe something with good flavor.

flavorful

A general term indicating a rich and enjoyable taste.

delicious

A broad term for something very pleasing to the taste.

appetizing

Describes something that stimulates the appetite.

rich in flavor

Highlights the complex and satisfying taste.

umami-rich

Emphasizes the presence of umami, a specific savory taste often associated with meatiness.

palatable

Indicates that something is pleasant to eat.

piquant

Suggests a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste.

well-seasoned

Highlights the use of herbs and spices to enhance flavor.

zesty

Implies a lively and appealing flavor, often with a hint of citrus.

FAQs

How can I use "savory" in a sentence?

"Savory" is often used to describe foods that are salty, spicy, or umami-rich, rather than sweet. For example, "The chef prepared a "savory" dish with mushrooms and herbs."

What is the difference between "savory" and "sweet"?

"Savory" refers to flavors that are salty, spicy, or umami, while "sweet" refers to flavors that are sugary or sugary-like. They are often used as contrasting descriptors in culinary contexts.

What are some synonyms for "savory"?

Some synonyms for "savory" include "flavorful", "tasty", "delicious", and "appetizing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "savory" be used to describe things other than food?

While primarily used in culinary contexts, "savory" can be used metaphorically to describe non-food experiences that are pleasing or interesting, although this usage is less common and should be used with care. A more fitting word might be "interesting" or "palatable".