B1adjective2K

Spicy

UK /["/ˈspaɪsi/"]/US /["/ˈspaɪsi/"]/

Definition

having a strong taste because spices have been added to it

In simple words: Having a strong flavor that causes a burning feeling in the mouth.

Examples

  • I don't like spicy food.
  • yams eaten with a spicy sauce
  • spicy sausage/soup
  • The soup tasted mildly spicy.
  • a deliciously spicy aroma
  • She tends to cook very spicy food.
  • spicy chicken wings
  • The main course was a little too spicy for me.
  • spicy stories about the sex lives of the stars

Usage notes

Use 'spicy' to describe food with strong flavors, especially in cooking. It's appropriate in most casual and formal settings, but be careful when discussing personal preferences, as some may find it offensive if they dislike it.

Grammar pattern

spicy + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'spice' and imagine a red pepper burning your tongue.

Collocations

  • be
  • smell
  • taste
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • hot

Antonyms

  • mild
  • bland

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'spicy' vs. 'hot' - 'hot' can refer to temperature too.
  • Using 'spicy' to describe non-food items incorrectly.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'spicey' instead of 'spicy'.