Sauce

Definition

Sauce is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a liquid or semi-liquid substance added to food to enhance flavor, texture, or appearance. As a verb, it means to add sauce to food or to behave impudently (informal).

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɔːs/, /sɑːs/
• Respelling: SAWSS, SAHSS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɔːs/
• Respelling: SAWSS

Etymology

The word "sauce" originates from Old French "sauce," derived from Latin "salsa," meaning "salted." It is related to the Latin verb "salire," meaning "to salt," and has been used in English since the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Saucy (adjective)
• Sauciness (noun)
• Saucepan (noun)
• Unsauced (adjective)
• Saucily (adverb)

Synonyms

• Dressing
• Condiment
• Gravy

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "sauce" is widely used in cooking and informal speech. Examples include "The pasta is best served with a creamy garlic sauce" (noun) and "She sauced the roast before serving it" (verb).

Related Terms

• Condiment: A substance used to add flavor to food.
• Marinade: A liquid used to flavor and tenderize food before cooking.
• Seasoning: Substances used to enhance food flavor, such as spices or herbs.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A liquid or semi-liquid substance used to enhance food: Refers to culinary preparations added to meals for flavor or texture.
  • Example: "The chef prepared a tangy barbecue sauce for the ribs."
• A figurative term for impudence or boldness (informal): Refers to cheeky or impertinent behavior.
  • Example: "Don’t give me any sauce!"

Verb

• To add sauce to food: Refers to enhancing a dish with a sauce.
  • Example: "She sauced the grilled chicken with a rich mushroom glaze."
• To behave impudently (informal): Refers to acting cheekily or disrespectfully.
  • Example: "He sauced back to the teacher."