piquant

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective having an agreeably pungent taste
  2. adjective engagingly stimulating or provocative
  3. adjective attracting or delighting

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French piquant (“pricking, stimulating, irritating”), present participle of piquer, possibly from Old French pikier (“to prick, sting, nettle”). Doublet of picong. Related to pike.

In classic literature

Synonyms

savory, savoury, spicy, zesty

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