savour
UK[ˈseɪvə]US[ˈseɪvər]
v
To enjoy a taste or smell, or an experience, completely and deliberately.
n
A characteristic taste, smell, or quality, especially a pleasant one.
Morpheme Breakdown
sav
our
sav
taste
our
noun/verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'savour' entered English in the 13th century from the Anglo-Norman French 'savour', which itself derived from the Latin 'sapor' (taste, flavour). The Latin root is 'sapere', a verb meaning 'to taste' and, by metaphorical extension, 'to be wise'—a link preserved in the related word 'sapient'. This etymological journey highlights a conceptual blending of physical perception and intellectual appreciation. The modern English term retains the core idea of perceptive enjoyment, whether applied to the literal sense of taste or the figurative relish of an experience.
Analysis
Structure: sav (taste) + our (noun/verb suffix)
'sav' originates from the Latin verb 'sapere', meaning 'to taste, to be wise'. In English, it is a bound root. 'our' is a suffix of Anglo-Norman French origin, used to form nouns and verbs (e.g., honour, labour, flavour).
Examples
She ate the chocolate slowly, wanting to savour every bite.
The soup had a subtle savour of herbs and garlic.
He took a moment to savour his victory before the next challenge.