savour
savour
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "savour" is /ˈseɪvər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
sav: /seɪ/
/s/ as in "sun"
/eɪ/ as in "face" or "say" (a diphthong)
our: /vər/
/v/ as in "van"
/ər/ as in "butter" or "teacher" (a reduced vowel sound, sometimes represented as /ə/ depending on the specific pronunciation and transcription style)
Word Form Variations
savour (noun): This is the base form, referring to a distinctive taste, smell, or experience. It can be countable (a particular savour) or uncountable (the general quality of savour).
savours (noun, plural): More than one distinctive taste, smell, or experience.
savour (verb): To enjoy or appreciate something, especially a taste or smell, with lingering pleasure.
savoured (verb, past tense): The past tense of the verb "savour."
savouring (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of enjoying something with lingering pleasure. Can also function as a noun (the savouring of the moment).
savourless (adjective): Lacking flavour or zest; uninteresting.
savoury (adjective): Having a pleasant taste or smell, especially of herbs or spices, rather than sweetness. Can also be a noun, referring to a savory dish.
savouriness (noun): The quality of being savoury.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A distinctive taste, smell, or experience; a quality that adds enjoyment or interest. Can be countable (a particular savour) or uncountable (the general quality of savour).
Synonyms: flavor, taste, aroma, bouquet, tang, zest, relish, enjoyment, delight, pleasure
Antonyms: blandness, tastelessness, odorlessness, unpleasantness, displeasure
Verb:
Definition: To enjoy or appreciate something, especially a taste or smell, with lingering pleasure; to relish.
Synonyms: relish, enjoy, appreciate, delight in, luxuriate in, bask in, indulge in, experience fully
Antonyms: dislike, abhor, despise, rush through, ignore, disregard
Adjective (Savoury):
Definition: Having a pleasant taste or smell, especially of herbs or spices, rather than sweetness; appetizing. Also, relating to or characterized by a savory flavor.
Synonyms: flavorful, tasty, delicious, palatable, appetizing, spicy, seasoned, tangy, zesty
Antonyms: bland, tasteless, unappetizing, sweet, sugary
Noun (Savoury - less common usage):
Definition: A savory dish or food item.
Synonyms: appetizer, hors d'oeuvre, snack, treat, delicacy
Antonyms: dessert, sweet
Adjective (Savourless):
Definition: Lacking flavor or zest; uninteresting; bland.
Synonyms: tasteless, bland, dull, uninspired, unexciting, insipid, flat
Antonyms: flavorful, tasty, exciting, interesting, zesty
Adverb (Savourily - rare, but possible):
Definition: In a savory manner; with enjoyment and appreciation.
Synonyms: appreciatively, enjoyably, delightfully, pleasurably, zestfully
Antonyms: begrudgingly, unenthusiastically, hastily, indifferently
It's important to note that the adverb "savourily" is not commonly used. Describing the manner in which someone savors something is usually done with other adverbs or phrases (e.g., "He savored the meal slowly and appreciatively").
Examples of Use
Noun (Savour):
"The dish had a unique savour, a blend of spices I couldn't quite place." (General public discourse)
"She enjoyed the savour of victory, however fleeting it might be." (Figurative use, general public discourse)
"Each bite offered a different savour, a testament to the chef's skill." (Food review, online publication)
Verb (Savour):
"He savoured the moment, knowing it might never come again." (General public discourse)
"Critics savoured the film's nuanced performances and intricate plot." (Film review, newspaper)
"Tourists are encouraged to savour the local cuisine and experience the region's unique culture." (Travel blog, online publication)
"Let us savour the joys of a good book." (Literary article, online publication)
Adjective (Savoury):
"The menu featured a variety of savoury dishes, including roasted meats and vegetable curries." (Restaurant menu)
"He preferred savoury snacks over sweet treats." (General public discourse)
"The aroma of savoury herbs filled the kitchen." (Cooking show, television)
Noun (Savoury - less common):
"The party platter included a selection of savouries." (General public discourse)
Adjective (Savourless):
"The soup was savourless and bland, lacking any real flavor." (General public discourse)
"The critic described the performance as savourless and uninspired." (Theater review, online publication)
10 Famous Quotes Using Savour
“Savour the moments that are warm and special and giggly.” — Sammy Davis Jr.
“You must learn to enjoy life and savour every moment. No matter how hard things may get, there is always something beautiful to appreciate.” — Anonymous
“Savour the mystery, enjoy it, but never try to solve it.” — Alan Rickman
“Life should be savoured. It’s the little things that make it truly special.” — Anonymous
“Savour every sip of life’s experiences, for they are fleeting but precious.” — Anonymous
“Do not gulp down life. Savour it, sip by sip, and relish its taste.” — Anonymous
“Happiness is not in things; it is in the way we savour them.” — Anonymous
“The true art of living is to savour the present moment, not dwell in the past or race toward the future.” — Anonymous
“Savour the struggle, for it shapes the soul and strengthens the spirit.” — Anonymous
“Love is best savoured in the small, everyday gestures, not just in grand declarations.” — Anonymous
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "savour." It essentially comes from Latin, making its way to us through French.
Latin Roots: The journey begins with the Latin word sapor, meaning "taste" or "flavor." Think of words like "sapid" (having a pleasant taste) which also derive from this root.
French Connection: Sapor evolved into the Old French word savour, which also meant "taste" or "flavor." This is where the word really starts to resemble its modern form.
English Adoption: The word savour was adopted into English around the 13th century, initially keeping the same core meaning of "taste" or "flavor." So, the first known uses in English texts would have been related to the literal taste of something.
Expanding Meaning: Over time, the meaning of "savour" broadened. It wasn't just about the taste on your tongue anymore. It also came to mean the general quality of a taste or smell, and eventually, the act of enjoying something with relish, whether it was a food, an experience, or even a memory. This figurative sense of enjoying something thoroughly developed later.
So, in a nutshell, "savour" started with the simple idea of taste in Latin, traveled through French, and arrived in English where it not only kept that meaning but also expanded to encompass the act of appreciating and enjoying something deeply. It's a word that has evolved to describe not just a sensation, but also a way of experiencing the world.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Savour
"Savour" isn't a word that pops up in tons of common idioms. It's used more literally. It's not like "hit" or "run" which have countless idiomatic uses. The reason is that "savour" is already quite specific in its meaning – to enjoy something thoroughly. Idioms tend to develop around more general or abstract concepts.
Phrases (using "savour" directly):
Savour the moment: This is probably the most common phrase, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the present.
Savour the flavour: Used in a culinary context, highlighting the enjoyment of a taste.
Savour the experience: Broader than just taste, this refers to enjoying any kind of event or activity.
Savour every bite: Again, culinary, emphasizing thorough enjoyment of food.
Savour the victory: Figurative, enjoying the feeling of success.
Less Common/Adapted Phrases:
Savour life's little pleasures: Focusing on finding joy in small things.
Savour the quiet: Appreciating moments of peace and tranquility.
Savour the company: Enjoying the presence of others.
Why "Savour" isn't Idiomatic:
The core concept of "savouring" is already quite nuanced. Idioms often arise to express things indirectly or metaphorically. "Savour" is already fairly direct – it describes a specific kind of enjoyment. It doesn't need a metaphorical layer on top of it.
Idioms with Synonyms (capturing the essence of savoring):
Revel in: (Similar to enjoying something deeply)
Bask in: (Enjoying a positive feeling or situation)
Delight in: (Taking great pleasure in something)
Relish: (Similar to savouring, especially regarding food or experiences)
Soak up: (Absorbing and enjoying an experience)
Indulge in: (Allowing oneself to enjoy something pleasurable)
While we don't have a wealth of idioms with "savour" itself, the synonymous phrases and the common phrases using "savour" effectively convey the idea of appreciating and enjoying something to the fullest.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of savour from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
