delicious
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪlˈɪʃəs/
US
- /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
Description
- tasty
- flavorful
- enjoyable to eat
Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe strawberry on a warm summer day—that feeling of pure enjoyment? That's delicious! It describes something so pleasing to the taste buds that it feels almost magical. While often used for food, you can also use "delicious" figuratively. A hilarious joke might be described as "deliciously witty," or a satisfying victory as "a delicious win."
Think about how chefs strive to create delicious meals—they're aiming for that perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's more than just "good"; it implies something truly special and delightful. If someone asks if you enjoyed your meal, saying "It was delicious!" is the highest compliment you can give.
"Delicious" describes something extremely pleasing to the taste—a sensation that goes beyond simply being "good" or "tasty." It evokes a feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction when eating or drinking. Think of warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, a perfectly seasoned steak, or a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot day—these are all experiences we'd describe as delicious.
Originally, "delicious" comes from Old French delicios and Latin deliciosus, meaning "pleasing" or "delighting." Over time, its use became almost exclusively associated with flavor and the joy of eating.
However, we still sometimes use it figuratively to describe things that aren't edible but are equally enjoyable. A "deliciously scandalous" story is one you find captivating despite (or perhaps because of) its shocking content. A "delicious irony" is a clever twist of fate that brings a unique sense of satisfaction.
So while primarily used for food, remember that delicious at its core means something intensely pleasing and satisfying—whether it's on your plate or in your experience. It's a word that speaks to the joy of sensory pleasure!
Examples
- 1
Simple praise
This soup is delicious.
- 2
Smell
Your cookies smell delicious.
- 3
Appearance
That cake looks delicious, but I'm too full to try it.
- 4
Strong praise
The pasta was so delicious that I ordered it again the next time.
- 5
Food pairing
The sauce is especially delicious with fresh bread.
- 6
Restaurant meal
We had a delicious meal at a small family-run restaurant.
- 7
Entertaining gossip
She arrived with some delicious gossip about her old job.
Phrase
delicious gossip
very entertaining or enjoyable gossip, not food
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- deliciousadjectivenoun