succory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowBotanical, Historical, Regional
Quick answer
What does “succory” mean?
A perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) with bright blue flowers, also known as chicory.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) with bright blue flowers, also known as chicory.
The root of this plant, often dried, roasted, and ground for use as a coffee substitute or additive; also, the leaves used as a salad green.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions overwhelmingly use 'chicory' in modern contexts. 'Succory' has slightly stronger historical associations in British English, appearing in older literature and regional dialects.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'succory' carries a rustic, old-fashioned, or botanical-garden feel. It lacks modern commercial connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech and writing in both regions. Far more common in plant identification guides or historical novels.
Grammar
How to Use “succory” in a Sentence
N (plant)N of N (root of succory)N + adj (wild succory)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “succory” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The old herbal described a succory poultice.
American English
- He identified the succory plant in the meadow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical botany texts, herbalism studies, or etymology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern conversation. Might be recognized by gardeners or foragers.
Technical
A valid but less common synonym in botanical nomenclature and horticultural history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “succory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “succory”
- Misspelling as 'sucory' or 'sukkory'.
- Using it in modern contexts where 'chicory' is expected.
- Pronouncing it /ˈsuːkəri/ (like 'sue').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'succory' and 'chicory' refer to the same plant, Cichorium intybus. 'Chicory' is the standard modern term.
Almost never in daily life. It is appropriate in historical fiction, discussions of older botanical texts, or when aiming for a deliberately archaic tone.
Yes. Its leaves are edible, often bitter, and used in salads (like radicchio or Belgian endive, which are cultivars). Its root is roasted and used as a coffee substitute or additive.
It derives from Middle English 'succory', via Middle Dutch 'suckerije' or Old French 'cicorée', ultimately from Latin 'cichorium' and Greek 'kichora'.
A perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) with bright blue flowers, also known as chicory.
Succory is usually botanical, historical, regional in register.
Succory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌkəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌkəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "Suck-ory" – you might suck on the bitter root, or it 'succeeds' in growing wild.
Conceptual Metaphor
RUSTIC SIMPLICITY / BITTERNESS: The word evokes an older, simpler time of foraging and herbal remedies, often associated with a bitter taste.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern synonym for 'succory'?