anise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (Botanical, Culinary), Semi-Formal
Quick answer
What does “anise” mean?
A flowering plant (Pimpinella anisum) whose seeds are used as a flavouring.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flowering plant (Pimpinella anisum) whose seeds are used as a flavouring.
The aromatic seed of the anise plant, used as a spice. Also refers to the characteristic liquorice-like flavour of anise seeds. In botany, sometimes loosely applied to plants with similar-flavoured seeds (e.g., star anise).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects use 'anise' for the plant/seed. 'Aniseed' (one word) is common, especially in UK English, for the seed as a spice. US English may use 'anise seed' (two words) more frequently.
Connotations
Neutral in both; associated with cooking, baking, and certain liquors (e.g., ouzo, pastis).
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in culinary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anise” in a Sentence
anise [verb] (e.g., 'The recipe calls for anise.')anise [adjective] (e.g., 'anise-flavoured liquor')[verb] with anise (e.g., 'season with anise')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The anise-flavoured biscuit was delicious.
- It had a faint, anise-like aroma.
American English
- The anise-flavored cookie was a hit.
- The sauce had a subtle anise note.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food import/export, spice trade.
Academic
Botany, culinary arts, food science, ethnopharmacology.
Everyday
Cooking, recipe discussions, describing flavours in food/drink.
Technical
Botanical classification, essential oil extraction, flavour chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anise”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anise”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anise”
- Misspelling as 'annise' or 'anice'.
- Using 'anise' as an adjective instead of 'anise-flavoured'.
- Confusing 'anise' with 'licorice root' (Glycyrrhiza).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are different plants. They share a similar flavour due to the compound anethole in anise and a different one in licorice, but they are not the same.
'Anise' typically refers to the plant itself. 'Aniseed' (often one word, especially in British English) specifically refers to the seed used as a spice. In practice, they are often used interchangeably.
They can often substitute for each other in terms of flavour, as both contain anethole. However, star anise is more potent, so you would use less. The physical form (whole star vs small seeds) may also affect recipe preparation.
Common examples include: certain breads and biscuits (e.g., Italian biscotti, German Springerle), Mediterranean and Middle Eastern stews, liqueurs (e.g., ouzo, pastis, sambuca), and some confectionery.
A flowering plant (Pimpinella anisum) whose seeds are used as a flavouring.
Anise is usually technical (botanical, culinary), semi-formal in register.
Anise: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ɪs/ (also /əˈniːs/ in some regional varieties). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'anise']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A nice seed' sounds like 'aniseed'. It's a nice seed for flavour.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLAVOUR IS A SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'The drink was infused with anise.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct statement about 'anise'?