Savage vs. Savory: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Savage implies brutality or cruelty, while savory relates to delicious or flavorful tastes.
Key Differences
Savage often denotes something wild, fierce, or untamed, reflecting a lack of civilization or brutality. Savory, in contrast, is a culinary term referring to flavors that are spicy, salty, or meaty, excluding sweetness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
In a metaphorical sense, savage can describe actions or behaviors that are cruel or ruthless. Savory, however, pertains to the appealing taste or aroma of food, often linked with hearty or appetizing dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
The term savage can also imply a natural, unrefined state, sometimes with a negative connotation. Savory, on the other hand, suggests a pleasant, mouth-watering quality, commonly used to describe enjoyable food experiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
In cultural contexts, savage might denote something fierce or barbaric, often used in a pejorative way. Savory, conversely, is used to characterize food that is not only tasty but also wholesome or nutritious.
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Nov 23, 2023
Lastly, in literary usage, savage is used to describe severe or harsh conditions or landscapes, whereas savory is employed to convey a rich, satisfying quality in food descriptions.
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Nov 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Context
Can imply barbarism or fierceness
Linked with culinary delight
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Nov 23, 2023
Literary Use
Harsh landscapes, severe scenarios
Rich, satisfying food experiences
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Nov 23, 2023
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Savage and Savory Definitions
Savage
Cruel or brutal.
The dictator's savage treatment of his people was condemned worldwide.
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Nov 21, 2023
Savory
Pleasing to the taste, not sweet.
The savory aroma of the roasted chicken filled the kitchen.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Savage
Not domesticated or cultivated; wild
A savage animal.
The savage jungle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
A dish of pungent taste, such as anchovies on toast or pickled fruit, sometimes served in Great Britain as an hors d'oeuvre or instead of a sweet dessert.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
An annual Mediterranean aromatic herb (Satureja hortensis) of the mint family, having pale lavender to white flowers. Also called summer savory.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
A related Mediterranean aromatic perennial herb (Satureja montana), having white or pink flowers. Also called winter savory.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
A member of a people regarded as primitive, uncivilized, brutal, or fierce.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Tasty, attractive to the palate.
The fine restaurant presented an array of savory dishes; each was delicious.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
To attack without restraint or pity
The critics savaged the new play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Salty and/or spicy, but not sweet.
The mushrooms, meat, bread, rice, peanuts and potatoes were all good savory foods.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Umami, modern
The savory rabbit soup contrasted well with the sweet cucumber sandwiches with jam.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
(figuratively) Morally or ethically acceptable.
Readers are to be warned that quotations in this chapter contain some not so savory language.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Brutal, vicious, or merciless.
He gave the dog a savage kick.
The woman was killed in a savage manner.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Any of several Mediterranean herbs, of the genus Satureja, grown as culinary flavourings.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Pleasing to the organs of taste or smell.
The chewing flocksHad ta'en their supper on the savory herb.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Severe, rude, aggressive, reckless, careless.
– They were so savage to them!
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
An aromatic labiate plant (Satureia hortensis), much used in cooking; - also called summer savory.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Any of several aromatic herbs or subshrubs of the genus Satureja having spikes of flowers attractive to bees
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
(figuratively) An aggressively defiant person.
Their kids are little savages! One of them bit me the other day.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
To attack or assault someone or something ferociously or without restraint.
No matter how anyone might savage me, I should stay strong.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
(figuratively) To criticise vehemently.
His latest film was savaged by most reviewers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
An aromatic or spicy dish served at the end of dinner or as an hors d'oeuvre
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Of or pertaining to the forest; remote from human abodes and cultivation; in a state of nature; wild; as, a savage wilderness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Wild; untamed; uncultivated; as, savage beasts.
Cornels, and savage berries of the wood.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Appetizing to the palate.
The chef prepared a savory meal that delighted all the guests.
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Nov 21, 2023
Savage
Uncivilized; untaught; unpolished; rude; as, savage life; savage manners.
What nation, since the commencement of the Christian era, ever rose from savage to civilized without Christianity?
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Morally wholesome or acceptable.
The movie had a savory reputation for its family-friendly content.
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Nov 21, 2023
Savage
Characterized by cruelty; barbarous; fierce; ferocious; inhuman; brutal; as, a savage spirit.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savory
Agreeable, pleasant.
The savory breeze from the ocean made the evening delightful.
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Nov 21, 2023
Savage
A human being in his native state of rudeness; one who is untaught, uncivilized, or without cultivation of mind or manners.
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Criticize harshly or violently;
The press savaged the new President
The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering;
A barbarous crime
Brutal beatings
Cruel tortures
Stalin's roughshod treatment of the kulaks
A savage slap
Vicious kicks
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Without civilizing influences;
Barbarian invaders
Barbaric practices
A savage people
Fighting is crude and uncivilized especially if the weapons are efficient
Wild tribes
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Marked by extreme and violent energy;
A ferocious beating
Fierce fighting
A furious battle
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Oct 19, 2023
Savage
Primitive or uncivilized.
The novel depicted the savage customs of the ancient tribe.
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Nov 21, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does "savage" mean?
It refers to something wild, ferocious, or brutal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is "savage" only for describing animals?
No, it can describe humans, nature, or behaviors.
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Nov 23, 2023
What does "savory" mean in food?
It refers to flavors that are spicy, salty, or meaty, and not sweet.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "savage" be used positively?
Rarely; it's usually negative but can imply raw power or intensity.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "savage" ever used in humor?
Sometimes, to describe an over-the-top or brutally honest remark.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can a dessert be savory?
Uncommon, but some desserts blend sweet and savory elements.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "savory" describe personality?
No, it's primarily used for taste or aroma.
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Nov 23, 2023
What's a "savory" smell?
A smell that's appetizing, often associated with cooked or seasoned food.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "savory" a good thing?
Yes, in culinary contexts, it's highly positive, indicating deliciousness.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "savory" mean morally good?
Rarely, but it can suggest wholesomeness in a broad sense.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "savage" a common term in literature?
Yes, often to depict primal, untamed, or harsh elements.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "savage" describe weather?
Yes, to imply harsh, fierce, or unrelenting conditions.
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Nov 23, 2023
Does "savage" always imply violence?
Often, but it can also describe intensity or unfiltered rawness.
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Nov 23, 2023
How is "savory" used in cooking?
To describe foods with herbs, spices, and umami flavors.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is "savory" used outside of food descriptions?
Rarely; it's mostly used in culinary contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can "savage" refer to a lifestyle?
Yes, to describe a life lived in a wild or untamed manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is "savage" used in modern slang?
Yes, often to describe something extreme or impressively ruthless.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Does "savage" have a positive connotation in any culture?
In some contexts, it can denote strength or natural beauty.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can something be both savage and savory?
Not in literal terms, as they describe different qualities.
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Nov 23, 2023
Are there savory scents?
Yes, these are aromas that remind one of appetizing, non-sweet foods.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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