Taste

Definition

Taste refers to the sensation produced when a substance interacts with taste buds on the tongue, or the ability to discern flavors. It also denotes a person's preference or judgment in aesthetic or cultural matters.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /teɪst/
• Respelling: TAYST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /teɪst/
• Respelling: TAYST

Etymology

The word "taste" originates from Old French "taster," meaning "to touch or taste," which in turn comes from Latin "tangere" (to touch) and "gustare" (to taste).

Derivatives

• Taster (noun)
• Tasteless (adjective)
• Tasty (adjective)
• Aftertaste (noun)
• Retaste (verb)

Synonyms

• Flavor
• Savor
• Preference

Antonyms

• Tastelessness
• Indifference
• Aversion

Usage

The noun "taste" can refer to the sensation of flavor, as in "The taste of the soup was delightful," or to aesthetic preference, as in "She has impeccable taste in fashion." As a verb, it refers to experiencing a flavor, as in "He tasted the dessert for the first time."

Related Terms

• Sensation: The perception or physical feeling of something.
• Flavor: The combined sensory impression of taste and smell.
• Judgment: The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The sensation of flavor perceived in the mouth: Refers to the act of experiencing a flavor through taste buds.
  • Example: "The cake had a rich chocolate taste."
• A person's preference or aesthetic judgment: Refers to the subjective opinion about what is beautiful, stylish, or appropriate.
  • Example: "Her taste in art is exquisite."

Verb

• To experience the flavor of something: Refers to the act of using taste buds to perceive a substance's flavor.
  • Example: "He tasted the wine to check its quality."
• To have a particular flavor: Refers to describing how something tastes.
  • Example: "The soup tastes salty."