Vocabulary Spotlight

Delicious

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Having a very pleasant taste or smell; delightful.

“The homemade cookies were delicious, with a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.”

Pronunciation

[dih-lish-uhs]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Tasty
Delectable
Flavorful
Savory
Yummy

Antonyms

Bland
Unappetizing
Unpalatable
Tasteless
Disgusting

Related Words

Delightful
Deliciously (adverb)
Delicacy (noun)

Word Origin

“Delicious” originates from the Latin “delicere,” meaning “to allure” or “to delight.” It first appeared in English in the 14th century, often describing something that provides a sense of delight or pleasure.

Word Family

Adverb: Deliciously – In a delightful or pleasant manner.

Noun: Delicacy – A fine or choice food item, often with delightful flavor.

Mnemonics

Remember “delicious” by associating it with “delightful dishes” – something tasty and enjoyable.

Industry-specific Usage

Food and Beverage

In food reviews, “delicious” describes food that has exceptional flavor and quality, appealing to taste and texture.

Marketing

Companies use “delicious” in product descriptions to attract customers by emphasizing taste and quality, especially in the food industry.

Hospitality

Restaurants and hotels often describe meals as “delicious” to entice patrons, promoting a positive dining experience.

In Context

Deliciousness is appreciated across cultures, symbolizing pleasure and satisfaction, often linked to comfort, celebration, and social gatherings. In literature, “delicious” may describe more than taste, often used for anything that brings great pleasure.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which word is the opposite of “Delicious”?

Tasty
Bland
Savory
Flavorful

‘Bland’ is correct, meaning lacking in strong flavor, the opposite of delicious.

2. Fill in the blank: The cake was so _______ that everyone asked for seconds.

delicious
bland
unappetizing
disgusting

‘Delicious’ is the correct word as it implies a highly enjoyable taste.

3. Which scenario best describes something “delicious”?

An unsalted rice cake
A plain glass of water
A rich, creamy chocolate mousse
A stale piece of bread

‘A rich, creamy chocolate mousse’ best describes “delicious,” suggesting a delightful taste experience.