spiciness

/ˈspaɪsinəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspaɪsinəs/ (ame, ipa) · /-sēnə̇s -sin-/ (ame, mw)

spiciness — noun

1. the quality of having a strong, hot flavour caused by spices or chilli peppers i

1.名詞B1
釋義

the quality of having a strong, hot flavour caused by spices or chilli peppers in food; also used to describe how much of this flavour a dish has

例句

The spiciness of the Sichuan hot pot made Wei's eyes water after the first bite.

spiciness of [dish] — describing flavour intensity

Chef Omar adjusted the spiciness of the curry so that everyone at the table could enjoy it.

adjusted the spiciness — collocation for modifying flavour

同義詞
  • heat

    more informal, often implies chilli burn rather than complex spice flavour

  • pungency

    more formal, can describe strong smell as well as taste

  • hotness

    informal, refers specifically to chilli-induced burning sensation

反義詞

用法筆記

Often used with 'level', 'degree', or 'heat' to describe how strong the spicy flavour is. Common in restaurant reviews, recipes, and food packaging.

常見錯誤

❌This curry has a very strong spiciness.
✅This curry has a very strong spicy flavour.
💡'spiciness' is an uncountable quality, not a countable measurement; use a different phrasing for emphasis.
❌I can't handle the spiciness of black pepper.
✅I can't handle the hotness of black pepper.
💡'spiciness' typically refers to chilli-based heat, not pepper pungency.

2. the quality of being exciting or interesting in a way that is slightly shocking

2.名詞B2
釋義

the quality of being exciting or interesting in a way that is slightly shocking or deals with sexual subjects — for example, a film, conversation, or piece of writing that pushes the boundaries of what is socially acceptable

例句

The spiciness of the late-night talk show kept viewers tuned in until the very last minute.

spiciness of [show] — figurative, risqué entertainment

Critics praised the novel's spiciness, calling it bold and refreshingly honest about modern relationships.

同義詞
  • raciness

    similar register, specifically about sexual suggestiveness

  • suggestiveness

    focuses on implying rather than stating sexual matters openly

  • titillation

    more formal, describes deliberate arousal of interest through provocative content

反義詞
  • wholesomeness

    content suitable for all audiences, family-friendly

  • decency

    morally appropriate, not shocking or sexual

用法筆記

Metaphorical extension of the food-related sense (sense 1). Often used to describe entertainment, gossip, humour, or journalism that is provocative rather than literally spicy. Distinguish from sense 1 by context: if the subject is a person's behaviour or content, it is sense 2.

常見錯誤

❌The spiciness of the political debate made history.' (meaning intensity)
✅The intensity of the political debate made history.
💡'spiciness' implies risqué or sexual content, not general heatedness in debate.