Piquant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถ๏ธ
piquant
[หpiห.kษnt ]
Definitions
flavor
Having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor.
Synonyms
flavorful, spicy, tangy, zesty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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piquant |
Use when you want to describe something that has a pleasantly sharp or stimulating taste or flavor. It can also refer to something that is interestingly exciting or provocative.
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spicy |
Use when you want to describe food that has a hot and strong flavor usually caused by the addition of spices like chili or pepper. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to something overly intense or biting.
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tangy |
Use when you want to describe a flavor that is sharp and slightly sour, often pleasant and refreshing. This term is usually positive and can be used for foods and drinks.
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zesty |
Use when you want to describe something that is full of zest, which means it has a lively or vigorous flavor, often with a citrus note. This word is generally positive and implies a fresh, exciting taste.
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flavorful |
Use when you want to describe something that is rich in taste, usually in a pleasing or notable way. This word is generally positive and can be used broadly for food and drink.
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Examples of usage
- The salsa had a piquant kick to it.
- The piquant spices in the dish made it unforgettable.
- The chef added piquant herbs to enhance the flavor of the soup.
interesting
Having a pleasantly stimulating or exciting quality.
Synonyms
captivating, exciting, provocative, stimulating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
piquant |
Piquant is commonly used when describing flavors or tastes that are pleasantly sharp or spicy.
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stimulating |
Stimulating is most suitable for situations where something arouses interest, enthusiasm, or energy, often mentally or emotionally.
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exciting |
Exciting is suitable for describing events, activities, or experiences that provoke a strong feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness.
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captivating |
Captivating is best used to describe something that holds your attention because it is interesting or beautiful.
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provocative |
Provocative is often used to describe actions, statements, or art intended to provoke a strong reaction, usually in a controversial or challenging way. This word has a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Her piquant sense of humor kept everyone entertained.
- The movie had a piquant plot that kept the audience engaged.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'piquant'
The word 'piquant' originated from the French word 'piquant', which means 'pricking' or 'stimulating'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. Over time, 'piquant' has come to describe not only flavors that are pleasantly sharp or appetizing but also anything that is stimulating or exciting.
See also: piquancy.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #25,730, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 25727 orthodontic
- 25728 defrauding
- 25729 stammering
- 25730 piquant
- 25731 platters
- 25732 unquestioning
- 25733 straightforwardly
- ...