savory
UK: ˈseɪvəri | US: ˈseɪvəri
adj. having a pleasant, slightly salty or spicy taste
adj. morally wholesome or acceptable
n. an aromatic herb used in cooking (also spelled savoury)
The word "savory" derives from the Old French savouré, meaning "tasty" or "flavored," which in turn comes from the Latin sapor (taste, flavor). The suffix -y transforms the noun into an adjective, emphasizing the quality of being flavorful. Over time, "savory" expanded beyond literal taste to describe morally agreeable things, contrasting with "sweet" in culinary contexts.
The chef added savory herbs to enhance the dish’s flavor.
She prefers savory snacks over sweet ones.
His actions were not entirely savory, raising suspicions.
Roasted garlic gives a savory depth to the soup.
The book offers a savory blend of humor and wisdom.