savor

[ sey-ver ]

noun

1. the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or of smell.

   Synonyms: fragrance, scent, odor, smack, relish

2. a particular taste or smell.
3. distinctive quality or property.
4. power to excite or interest.
5. Archaic. repute.

verb (used without object)

1. to have savor, taste, or odor.
2. to exhibit the peculiar characteristics; smack (often followed by of ):

   His business practices savor of greed.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a savor to; season; flavor.
2. to perceive by taste or smell, especially with relish:

   to savor the garden's odors.

3. to give oneself to the enjoyment of:

   to savor the best in life.

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Other Words From

• savor·er noun
• savor·ing·ly adverb
• savor·less adjective
• savor·ous adjective
• outsavor verb (used with object)
• un·savored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of savor¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; (noun) Middle English sav(o)ur, from Old French savour, from Latin sapōrem, accusative of sapor “taste,” derivative of sapere “to taste” ( sapient ); (verb) Middle English sav(o)uren, from Old French savourer, from Late Latin sapōrāre, derivative of sapor

Synonym Study

See taste.

Example Sentences

I love it for the way it captures history’s impossible vastness with a melancholy sweetness that is savored here.

From Los Angeles Times

Now we must take pride in savoring the legacy that Fernando leaves us, the legacy that Fernando leaves to future generations.

From Los Angeles Times

A hazelnut soufflé makes for a delicious finale to a meal you’ll savor.

From Salon

But as an adult, she said, she savors the mental challenge.

From Los Angeles Times

But the late-game drop offs are preventing the Chargers from truly savoring the turnaround with so much still needing improvement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appreciate
• luxuriate in
• relish
• revel in
• sip
• smell
• taste