condiment
What is the opposite of condiment? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.
Noun — A sauce, relish or seasoning added to food at the table to improve its flavour.
How to use condiment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
condiment tray
a range of condiments
sauces and condiments
Neutral; slightly more formal than "sauce".
Etymology
From Latin condimentum "spice, seasoning", from condire "to season, to preserve".
Full origin of condiment →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a condiment and a seasoning?
A seasoning, such as salt or dried herbs, is usually added during cooking and becomes part of the dish. A condiment is added afterwards, at the table, and stays separate — ketchup, chutney, soy sauce. Salt and pepper straddle both categories.
Is ketchup a condiment?
Yes. Ketchup is one of the clearest examples: it is served alongside finished food and each diner adds as much as they want. Mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, pickles and relish belong to the same group.
Is butter a condiment?
It can be treated as one when it is put on the table for spreading, but butter is more often classed as a fat or a spread because it is also a cooking ingredient. Menus and food retailers vary in how they file it.
