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spicy

/ˈspaɪsi/
adjective★Beginner
informal

having a strong, hot flavor, often from chili peppers or other spices

She loves spicy food and orders extra hot sauce with every meal.

She enjoys dishes with intense, hot flavors and adds extra spice.

💡

Often used to describe food that is hot or pungent due to spices.

informal

figuratively, exciting or intense in a way that is stimulating or provocative

The debate got spicy when the candidates started attacking each other.

The discussion became intense and heated with strong exchanges.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe situations that are lively or confrontational.

Collocations

spicy foodfood with a strong, hot flavorspicy saucea sauce that is hot and flavorfulspicy situationa situation that is intense or confrontational

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

spice upphrasal verb
to make something more exciting or interesting

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In some cultures, spicy food is a staple, while in others, it may be considered unusual or extreme.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage in Food

When describing food, 'spicy' refers to a hot or pungent flavor, typically from chili peppers or spices.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'spice' (from Old French 'espice') + '-y' (suffix forming adjectives).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe food but can also describe situations or people in a figurative sense.

Word Breakdown

spice
a substance used to flavor food
root
+
-y
suffix forming adjectives
suffix
English Dictionary

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