delectable

USAGE SUMMARY

"delectable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something that is particularly enjoyable or delightful. For example: "I had the most delectable apple pie for dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For desserts, the mango and pistachio kulfi and the gulab jamun (sweet milk dumplings in sugar and rosewater) are delectable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He also recommended a fish restaurant called Zachario down on the shore just outside Amalfi, where we enjoyed a delectable lunch the next day.

The Guardian - Travel

The most recent was "Conte d'été", with heart-throb Melvil Poupaud divided between three delectable girls.Younger French directors have followed Mr Rohmer's example, notably André Téchiné and his even younger disciple, Gaël Morel.

The Economist

The food was kosher, vegan and entirely delectable.

The Economist

In remarkably few pages, Mr Auster builds up a marvellously thick ply of wallpapers, and it is delectable to peel away the little rose pattern to reveal the stripes underneath.Sid is a writer recuperating from a long illness, who buys a curiously shaped blank notebook manufactured in Portugal from a Chinese stationery shop in Brooklyn.

The Economist

Its sable-rimmed hat is decorated with spectacular 17th-century ruby, emerald and diamond jewels.But the exhibition is more than a delectable tour of extravagant garments.

The Economist

For more than a decade, The Economist's Big Mac index has provided a delectable guide to whether currencies are at their "correct" level.

The Economist

Although they can be trained to feed on a particular crop, if they find a sweeter, more delectable flower nearby they will be tempted away to pastures new and your fruit may suffer.

The Economist

The result is a pot of delectable nuggets.

The Economist

It is time for Italy to stop blaming the dead for its difficulties, to wake up and have a shot of that delectable coffee it makes.

The Economist

Other customers dig into herbed falafel and (delectable) black-walnut baklava.Seattle's diners are a savvy lot, says Maria Hines, the restaurant's owner.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delectable" to describe something that is not only tasty but also pleasing in a sophisticated or delightful way. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the tone and subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "delectable" to describe everyday, ordinary foods. Reserve it for dishes or experiences that are truly exceptional to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "delectable" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something highly pleasing or delicious. It enhances descriptions by adding a sense of refined enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Independent

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delectable" functions as an adjective to describe something exceptionally pleasing, especially to the senses, with a slight nuance of sophistication. Ludwig AI confirms its status as correct and usable English. While it appears across various registers, it is most commonly found in neutral contexts like News & Media and encyclopedic content. It's advisable to reserve "delectable" for instances where the pleasure is refined, avoiding overuse in simpler situations. For alternatives, consider "delicious", "exquisite", or "luscious", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicious

A general term for something that tastes good. It is a more common and versatile synonym.

exquisite

Suggests a refined and delicate pleasure, often used for sophisticated tastes.

luscious

Implies a rich and sensuous pleasure, often related to food or appearance.

scrumptious

A more informal and playful way to describe something very tasty.

palatable

Means acceptable to the taste, but doesn't necessarily imply great pleasure.

divine

Suggests something exceptionally pleasing, almost heavenly.

heavenly

Similar to "divine", implying a sublime and delightful experience.

toothsome

A slightly old-fashioned word for delicious, emphasizing the pleasure of eating.

tantalizing

Describes something that is tempting and desirable, often in a way that excites the senses.

flavorful

Focuses on the richness and complexity of the taste experience.

FAQs

How can I use "delectable" in a sentence?

Use "delectable" to describe something highly pleasing, especially to the taste. For example, "The chef prepared a delectable dessert." or "The wine had a delectable aroma."

What words are similar to "delectable"?

Similar words include "delicious", "exquisite", "luscious", and "scrumptious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "delectable" in formal writing?

Yes, "delectable" is appropriate in formal writing when describing something exceptionally pleasing. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of the piece.

What's the difference between "delectable" and "delicious"?

"Delectable" often implies a more refined or sophisticated pleasure than "delicious". While both describe something tasty, "delectable" suggests a higher degree of enjoyment or artistry.