Word
delicious
Phoneticsde·li·cious, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈɫɪʃəs/
UK/dɪlˈɪʃəs/
Definitions
01tasting very good
A1 · Beginner Cooking
adj. having a very pleasant taste.
adj. highly pleasing to the sense of taste; having a rich or savory flavor.
日本語:おいしい※
“The chocolate cake was absolutely delicious and everyone wanted a second piece.”
“The chef prepared a delicious three-course meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional spices.”
Usage
Often used with 'absolutely' or 'really' rather than 'very' because it is an extreme adjective.
Pitfall
The soup was very delicious.
The soup was absolutely delicious.
'Delicious' is a non-gradable adjective. Use 'absolutely' or 'really' instead of 'very' to add emphasis.
Teaching tip
Learners often over-apply this to any food; encourage them to use it for food that is truly special or high-quality.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02very enjoyable
B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary
adj. giving you great pleasure or satisfaction, often in a funny or clever way.
adj. highly pleasing or delightful to the mind or senses; often used to describe a satisfying irony or a pleasant secret.
“It was a delicious moment when the bully finally got into trouble.”
“There was a delicious irony in the fact that the professional organizer had lost her own car keys.”
Usage
Frequently collocates with nouns like 'irony', 'scandal', or 'moment'.
Teaching tip
Explain that this is a figurative use where the 'taste' of a situation is satisfying.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03physically attractive
C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal
adj. very attractive or sexy.
adj. possessing great physical or sexual appeal.
“He looked delicious in that new suit.”
“The magazine described the lead actor as the most delicious man in Hollywood.”
Teaching tip
This sense can be seen as objectifying; advise learners to use it only in very casual or flirtatious contexts.
Synonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/delicious
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0