piquant
/piːˈkɑːnt/
Group 32Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor; pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind GRE
Example in Context
The columnist added a piquant observation at the end of the article that reframed the entire argument in a way readers had not anticipated.
Synonyms
spicytangystimulating
Etymology
Originally from French for 'to prick,' PIQUANT evokes a sharp, stimulating flavor.
- piquer (French) — to prick or sting
Memory Aid
🥳Sounds like “pea can't”
Imagine a pea that CAN'T STOP dancing because it's so PIQUANT — it's a flavor party!
Visual Association
🌶️A vibrant dish of spicy food that makes your taste buds tingle with excitement.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “piquant” mean on the GRE?
piquant (adjective) means “Having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor; pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind”. The columnist added a piquant observation at the end of the article that reframed the entire argument in a way readers had not anticipated.
How to remember “piquant” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “piquant” sounds like “pea can't”. Imagine a pea that CAN'T STOP dancing because it's so PIQUANT — it's a flavor party!
What are synonyms for “piquant”?
Common synonyms: spicy, tangy, stimulating.