Relish vs. Savor — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 18, 2024
Relish involves enjoying a taste or experience with zest, often relating to food enhancement, whereas savor refers to deeply appreciating flavors or moments slowly and thoroughly.
Difference Between Relish and Savor
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Key Differences
Relish is often associated with the enjoyment derived from food or experiences, emphasizing the pleasure in anticipation or consumption. On the other hand, savor implies a more intentional enjoyment, focusing on the depth and duration of pleasure, especially in a culinary context.
When relishing something, one might show a marked enthusiasm or keen interest, often linked to specific condiments that enhance food. Whereas, to savor something usually suggests a slower, more contemplative approach to experiencing tastes or moments, emphasizing the quality of the experience.
Relish can also refer to a type of condiment, such as a pickle or chutney, used to enhance meals. On the other hand, savor is solely a verb that describes the act of enjoying something deeply, without any noun form related to food items.
In everyday language, 'relish' can be used metaphorically to describe the enjoyment of non-food experiences, such as relishing a victory or achievement. Savor, however, is typically reserved for more sensory or tangible experiences, highlighting the sensory richness of the moments.
Usage in conversation also differs; relish is often used more casually and broadly, applicable in various contexts from food to experiences. In contrast, savor is used with a tone of sophistication and depth, usually pertaining to prolonged enjoyment and appreciation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Enjoy with zest
Enjoy deeply and thoroughly
Part of Speech
Noun and verb
Verb only
Usage Context
Food and general enjoyment
Primarily sensory experiences
Speed of Enjoyment
Can be quick or enthusiastic
Involves slow appreciation
Common Phrases
"relish the moment"
"savor every bite"
Compare with Definitions
Relish
To enjoy greatly.
She relished her morning walk despite the chilly weather.
Savor
To taste or smell with pleasure.
He savored the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Relish
A condiment added to food to enhance flavor.
He added relish to his burger for extra zest.
Savor
To perceive by taste or smell, especially with relish.
She savored the complex flavors of the gourmet dish.
Relish
Expressing enjoyment in the face of adversity.
They relished the competition against a tougher team.
Savor
To appreciate fully, enjoy or relish.
They savored the victory after a long and hard-fought game.
Relish
Anticipation or enjoyment of something forthcoming.
He relished the thought of his upcoming vacation.
Savor
To give oneself to the enjoyment of.
He savored the quiet evening at home.
Relish
To be pleased or gratified by something.
She relished the challenge of solving complex puzzles.
Savor
To enjoy something thoroughly.
She savored every moment of her vacation in the Bahamas.
Relish
A relish is a cooked and pickled product made of chopped vegetables, fruits, pickles or herbs and is a food item typically used as a condiment or as a salsa to enhance a staple. Examples are chutneys and the North American relish, a pickled cucumber jam eaten with hot dogs or hamburgers.
Savor
A specific taste or smell
The savor of fresh mint.
Relish
Hearty enjoyment or appreciation
"pausing with the relish of a man who knows he's about to get off a zinger" (Tad Friend).
Savor
The quality of something that is perceived as taste or smell
"There is little savor in dead men's meat" (Stephen Vincent Benét).
Relish
Something that lends pleasure or zest
The fact that the opposing team is our longtime rival was an added relish to our victory.
Savor
A distinctive quality or characteristic
Enjoyed the savors of local life on their trip.
Relish
A keen liking for something
A relish for adventure.
Savor
To have a particular taste or smell
A dish that savors of curry.
Relish
A spicy or savory condiment or appetizer, such as chutney or olives.
Savor
To exhibit a specified quality or characteristic; smack
Postures that savored of vanity.
Relish
A condiment of chopped sweet pickles.
Savor
To taste or smell, especially with pleasure
Savored each morsel of the feast.
Relish
The flavor of a food, especially when appetizing.
Savor
To appreciate fully; enjoy or relish
I want to savor this moment of accomplishment.
Relish
A trace or suggestion of a pleasurable quality.
Savor
That property of a thing which affects the organs of taste or smell; taste and odor; flavor; relish; scent; as, the savor of an orange or a rose; an ill savor.
I smell sweet savors and I feel soft things.
Relish
To take keen pleasure in; enjoy fully
Relished every minute of their vacation.
Savor
Hence, specific flavor or quality; characteristic property; distinctive temper, tinge, taint, and the like.
Why is not my life a continual joy, and the savor of heaven perpetually upon my spirit?
Relish
To be pleased with or look forward to
I don't relish speaking with that student's parents about his behavior.
Savor
Sense of smell; power to scent, or trace by scent.
Relish
(Archaic) To give spice or flavor to.
Savor
Pleasure; delight; attractiveness.
She shall no savor have therein but lite.
Relish
(Archaic) To have a pleasing or distinctive taste.
Savor
To have a particular smell or taste; - with of.
Relish
A pleasant taste.
Savor
To partake of the quality or nature; to indicate the presence or influence; to smack; - with of.
This savors not much of distraction.
I have rejected everything that savors of party.
Relish
Enjoyment; pleasure.
Savor
To use the sense of taste.
By sight, hearing, smelling, tasting or savoring, and feeling.
Relish
A quality or characteristic tinge.
Savor
To perceive by the smell or the taste; hence, to perceive; to note.
Relish
(followed by "for") A taste (for); liking (of); fondness.
Savor
To have the flavor or quality of; to indicate the presence of.
That cuts us off from hope, and savors onlyRancor and pride, impatience and despite.
Relish
A cooked or pickled sauce, usually made with vegetables or fruits, generally used as a condiment.
Savor
To taste or smell with pleasure; to delight in; to relish; to like; to favor.
Relish
In a wooden frame, the projection or shoulder at the side of, or around, a tenon, on a tenoned piece.
Savor
The taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth
Relish
Something that is greatly liked or savoured.
Savor
Derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in;
She relished her fame and basked in her glory
Relish
(transitive) To taste or eat with pleasure, to like the flavor of
Savor
Have flavor; taste of something
Relish
(transitive) To take great pleasure in.
He relishes their time together.
I don't relish the idea of going out tonight.
Savor
Taste appreciatively;
Savor the soup
Relish
To taste; to have a specified taste or flavour.
Savor
Give taste to
Relish
(transitive) To give a taste to; to cause to taste nice, to make appetizing.
Relish
To give pleasure.
Relish
To taste or eat with pleasure; to like the flavor of; to partake of with gratification; hence, to enjoy; to be pleased with or gratified by; to experience pleasure from; as, to relish food.
Now I begin to relish thy advice.
He knows how to prize his advantages, and to relish the honors which he enjoys.
Relish
To give a relish to; to cause to taste agreeably.
A savory bit that served to relish wine.
Relish
To have a pleasing or appetizing taste; to give gratification; to have a flavor.
Had I been the finder-out of this secret, it would not have relished among my other discredits.
A theory, which, how much soever it may relish of wit and invention, hath no foundation in nature.
Relish
A pleasing taste; flavor that gratifies the palate; hence, enjoyable quality; power of pleasing.
Much pleasure we have lost while we abstainedFrom this delightful fruit, nor known till nowTrue relish, tasting.
When liberty is gone,Life grows insipid, and has lost its relish.
Relish
Savor; quality; characteristic tinge.
It preserve some relish of old writing.
Relish
A taste for; liking; appetite; fondness.
A relish for whatever was excelent in arts.
I have a relish for moderate praise, because it bids fair to be j dicious.
Relish
That which is used to impart a flavor; specifically, something taken with food to render it more palatable or to stimulate the appetite; a condiment.
Relish
The projection or shoulder at the side of, or around, a tenon, on a tenoned piece.
Relish
Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
Relish
Spicy or savory condiment
Relish
The taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth
Relish
Derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in;
She relished her fame and basked in her glory
Common Curiosities
Is savor only used in culinary contexts?
Primarily, but it can also apply to any deeply enjoyable moment or experience.
How do the uses of relish and savor differ in everyday language?
Relish is used more broadly for both general and specific enjoyments, while savor is often used to denote a deeper, more reflective appreciation.
What does it mean to relish something?
It means to enjoy or take pleasure in something greatly.
Can relish be used as a noun?
Yes, relish can refer to a type of condiment as well as the enjoyment of an experience.
What does it mean to savor something?
It means to enjoy something deeply and thoroughly, often with a focus on sensory experiences.
How do you use savor in a sentence?
"He savored the last piece of his grandmother's homemade pie."
Which is more intense, relishing or savoring?
Savoring typically implies a deeper, more intense enjoyment.
Is there a physical product associated with savor similar to relish?
No, savor is purely a verb with no associated noun form like the condiment relish.
How do you use relish in a sentence?
"She relished the opportunity to speak publicly at the event."
Are there idiomatic expressions using relish or savor?
Yes, phrases like "relish the moment" or "savor the experience" are common idiomatic expressions.
Do relish and savor share any common synonyms?
Yes, both can synonymously mean 'enjoy,' but savor often implies a slower, richer enjoyment.
How does one typically savor a moment?
By engaging deeply with the moment, focusing attentively on the feelings and sensations involved.
Can you relish something you dislike?
Relish generally implies positive enjoyment, so it is not typically used to describe dislikable things.
Can both relish and savor express anticipation?
Relish can express anticipation more explicitly, whereas savor typically does not.
What types of experiences are commonly savored?
Experiences involving distinct, pleasurable sensations such as eating fine foods, enjoying art, or natural scenery.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
