Spice
UK /["/spaɪs/"]/US /["/spaɪs/"]/
Definition
one of the various types of powder or seed that come from plants and are used in cooking. Spices have a strong taste and smell.
In simple words: A substance used to add flavor to food.
Examples
- common spices such as ginger and cinnamon
- a spice jar
- We need an exciting trip to add some spice to our lives.
- The danger added spice to their romance.
- Six men overdosed on the synthetic drug known as spice.
- spice, known as the ‘zombie’ drug
Usage notes
Use 'spice' when talking about flavors in cooking or enhancing a situation. It's neutral but can be informal in casual conversations about food.
Grammar pattern
spice + object
Memory hint
Think of adding a pinch of 'spice' to make your dish nice.
Collocations
- ground
- mixed
- exotic
- mix
- mixture
- rub
- herbs and spices
- extra
- add
- give
- the spice of life
Synonyms
- seasoning
- flavoring
- enhancer
- condiment
- aromatizer
Antonyms
- blandness
- insipidity
- plainness
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'spicy' which refers to heat in flavor.
- Using 'spice' without an object (e.g., saying 'I need to spice' instead of 'I need to spice my dish').
- Mixing up 'spice' with 'sauce' or 'seasoning'.