condiment
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A substance, such as salt, pepper, or sauce, that is added to food to enhance its flavour.
Any food preparation that is added to other foods primarily for flavour enhancement, often at the table. This includes spices, sauces, relishes, and seasoned salts. Figuratively, something that adds zest or interest to a situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A count noun (condiments). Refers to items *added to* food, not integral ingredients. Implies a secondary, supplementary role. Often associated with the final stages of food preparation or with table use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. In the UK, 'condiment' might be perceived as slightly more formal or specific than in the US, where it's common on restaurant menus and packaging.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Possibly more strongly associated with commercial, bottled products (ketchup, mustard) in the US.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in commercial/culinary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[condiment] for [food item]a condiment such as [item]to serve [food] with condimentsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in food manufacturing, retail, and restaurant supply (e.g., 'condiment market', 'condiment supplier').
Academic
Used in gastronomy, food science, and cultural studies texts (e.g., 'the cultural history of condiments').
Everyday
Common in home and restaurant contexts (e.g., 'Pass the condiments, please.').
Technical
Used in culinary arts and food technology with precise classification (e.g., 'fermented condiment', 'emulsified condiment').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form in common use]
American English
- [No standard verb form in common use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverb form in common use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adjective form in common use]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like ketchup and mustard on my burger.
- Salt and pepper are common condiments.
- The waiter brought a tray of condiments to the table.
- My favourite condiment for chips is mayonnaise.
- The restaurant offers an impressive range of homemade condiments, including a spicy chutney.
- Some cultures use fermented fish as a primary condiment for rice dishes.
- The chef's philosophy was to let the quality of the primary ingredients shine, using condiments only as subtle accents.
- The global condiment market has seen significant growth with the rise of fusion cuisines.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONDIment as a CONDItion for your food—it adds the finishing touch, like a condition for perfect taste.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONDIMENT IS AN ACCESSORY/ADD-ON (like jewellery for an outfit).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'приправа', which is broader (can include herbs, spices during cooking). 'Condiment' is typically for ready-to-eat food. Avoid confusing with 'специя' (spice) or 'соус' (sauce), which are specific types.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an uncountable noun (*'I added some condiment'*). Correct: 'I added a condiment' or 'I added some condiments.'
- Using it to refer to primary ingredients or cooking spices.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as a condiment in everyday English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. Butter is generally considered a spread or a dairy product, not a condiment, as it's not primarily used for flavouring other foods but as a fat component.
Seasonings (like salt, pepper, herbs) are often added during cooking and blend into the food. Condiments (like ketchup, salsa, mustard) are typically added after cooking or at the table and remain distinct.
No, 'condiment' is solely a noun. The related verb is 'to season' or 'to flavour'.
Yes, dressings like vinaigrette or ranch are classic examples of liquid or semi-liquid condiments used specifically for salads.