spiced

spiced — verb

1. to put spices such as cinnamon, cumin, or chili into food or drink so that it ha

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to put spices such as cinnamon, cumin, or chili into food or drink so that it has a stronger, more interesting taste.

例句

Asher spiced the chicken with cumin and coriander before roasting it.

spice + [food] + with + [ingredient]

The stew is spiced with ginger, turmeric, and a touch of cinnamon.

passive: be spiced with + [ingredient]

同義詞
  • season

    broader term — includes salt, pepper, herbs, and spices

  • flavor

    gentler; adding any taste, not necessarily strong spices

  • dress

    usually refers to adding sauce or oil-based flavor, as with salad

反義詞
  • blanch

    to cook briefly in boiling water without seasoning

文法句型

spice + [food/drink]

be spiced with + [ingredient]

spice up + [food/drink]

用法筆記

Use 'season' (not 'spice') when referring to salt and pepper. 'Spice' specifically means adding dry plant-based seasonings like cinnamon, cumin, or paprika. The phrasal verb 'spice up' is common in both literal and figurative senses.

常見錯誤

❌I spiced the soup with salt.
✅I seasoned the soup with salt.
💡'spice' refers to plant-based seasonings like cinnamon or cumin, not salt or pepper.

2. to make an event, story, conversation, or other activity more exciting, lively,

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make an event, story, conversation, or other activity more exciting, lively, or enjoyable by adding interesting or surprising elements.

例句

Kenji spiced up his speech with funny stories from his trip to Japan.

spice up + [speech/story] + with + [humorous element]

The novel is spiced with dark humour and unexpected plot twists.

passive: be spiced with + [element]

同義詞
  • enliven

    more formal; to make something more lively or animated

  • liven up

    informal; very close in meaning, often interchangeable with 'spice up'

  • enrich

    adds value or depth, not necessarily excitement

反義詞

文法句型

spice up + [event/story/conversation]

be spiced with + [humour/surprises/details]

用法筆記

In the figurative sense, 'spice up' is much more common than plain 'spice'. The plain form ('spiced with') often appears in formal or written contexts. The object is usually an experience, piece of content, or social situation — not a person.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher spiced the lesson with punishment.
✅The teacher spiced up the lesson with games.
💡Figurative 'spice' always adds something positive and enjoyable, not unpleasant.