TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

Chewy is an adjective used to describe a texture of food that requires some effort to chew through. It often indicates a pleasing firmness and elasticity, which can be desirable in many types of food such as meat, candy, and baked goods. The term is especially popular in describing certain sweets and snacks, where a chewy texture is part of the appeal.

• These cookies are perfectly chewy and delicious.

• I prefer chewy bagels to the softer ones.

• The steak was too chewy, almost like rubber.

• These gummy bears are really chewy.

Chopped generally describes something that has been cut into small pieces, often in preparation for cooking or as part of a recipe. It can refer to a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, nuts, herbs, or meat. The term emphasizes the physical alteration of the item, usually making it easier to mix with other ingredients or cook more evenly.

• He served a salad with chopped onions and tomatoes

• The recipe calls for one cup of chopped nuts.

• She added some chopped garlic to the frying pan.

Creamy is an adjective often used to describe the texture and flavor of food and drinks that are smooth and rich in cream or milk content. It implies a velvety texture that is pleasing to the palate, often used in the context of soups, sauces, desserts, and beverages. The term can also describe the appearance of items that have a soft, smooth finish resembling cream.

• The soup has a smooth, creamy texture that is simply delightful.

• I prefer creamy salad dressing over vinaigrette because it's richer and more satisfying.

• This coffee is too creamy for my taste; I like it a bit stronger.

Crispy is an adjective used to describe a particular texture often sought in various foods. It refers to something that is pleasantly firm and brittle, typically describing the outer layer of food items such as fried chicken, fries, or roasted vegetables. Achieving the perfect crispy texture can be a highlight of culinary skills, enhancing both the flavor and the eating experience.

• The bacon was crispy and delicious.

• She loves crispy fried chicken more than any other food.

• Make sure the cookies are crispy by baking them a few extra minutes.

Crunchy is an adjective used to describe a firm, crisp texture that often makes a sharp sound when eaten. This characteristic is especially appreciated in various foods like vegetables, snacks, and cereals. The term evokes a sense of freshness and quality, often desired in foods like apples, carrots, and freshly baked cookies. The crunchiness of a food can significantly enhance its appeal by adding a satisfying texture to the eating experience.

• These potato chips are really crunchy.

• I love the crunchy crust of freshly baked bread.

• The salad had a nice crunchy texture from the raw vegetables.

• The salad was perfect with its crunchy croutons.

The adjective "flaky" can describe both physical and behavioral characteristics. Physically, it refers to something that easily breaks into flakes, like old paint or pastry crust. Behaviorally, it describes someone who is unreliable or inconsistent, especially in maintaining commitments or showing up as promised. This dual usage makes "flaky" a versatile descriptor in English.

• The pastry was deliciously flaky and buttery.

• I love how flaky the crust is on this croissant.

• Make sure the dough is cold to keep the pie crust flaky.

• He's fun to hang out with, but he's a bit flaky when it comes to keeping plans.

• The paint on the old barn was flaky and peeling off. 

Grilled is an adjective. It describes food that is cooked on a grill. Grilled

food is often appreciated for its smoky flavor and slightly charred edges. This method not only imparts a unique taste but also helps in reducing the fat content in food, making it a healthier option.

• I love eating grilled chicken because it's healthier than fried.

• We had grilled vegetables as a side dish.

• The restaurant is famous for its grilled seafood. 

Juicy is an adjective that describes something that is full of juice, suggesting that it is succulent and moist. It is often used to describe fruits, vegetables, or meats that are naturally rich in liquid and flavor. The word can also metaphorically describe information or news that is especially interesting or scandalous, often because it is shocking or private.

• The ripe oranges are very juicy and sweet.

• I prefer juicy steaks to dry ones.

• She shared some juicy gossip with me yesterday. 

Marbling refers to the appearance of streaks of fat within the lean sections of meat, particularly beef, which can enhance flavor and tenderness. The term is also used in the arts to describe a technique that mimics the swirling patterns seen in actual marble. This technique is often used in paper decoration, creating unique and colorful patterns that resemble those found in natural stone.

• The marbling of the steak is perfect, indicating it will be juicy and flavorful.

• The marbling in this piece of steak is perfect, making it incredibly tender.

• Artists often use the technique of marbling to create intricate patterns on paper.

• High-quality marbling is a key feature of luxury beef brands.

Mushy is an adjective that describes something that is soft and wet, often in a way that is not pleasant. It is commonly used to describe overcooked or overly ripe food that has lost its firm texture. Mushy can also metaphorically describe overly sentimental expressions or emotions, often implying an excess that might not be appealing to everyone.

• The potatoes were so overcooked that they turned mushy.

• I don't like mushy peas with my fish and chips.

• He left a mushy note for her on Valentine's Day.

• The overcooked vegetables were mushy and unappetizing.

• I don't like mushy bananas; I prefer them when they're still a bit firm.

Roasted is an adjective describing something that has been cooked by dry heat in an oven or over a fire. Most often, it refers to meats and vegetables, but can also include other items like coffee beans. Roasting usually results in a flavorful, browned surface.

• We had roasted chicken for dinner last night.

• The roasted vegetables were seasoned perfectly.

• I love the smell of roasted coffee in the morning. 

Rubbery is an adjective often used to describe a texture or consistency that is similar to rubber, characterized by being soft and elastic. This term can be applied to various materials, foods, or physical sensations that exhibit these properties. It is not always used in a positive context, as in food, a rubbery texture might be considered undesirable.

• The steak was so overcooked that it had a rubbery texture.  

• She described the candy as having a surprisingly rubbery consistency.  

• The rubbery material of the ball makes it bounce really high. 

Smooth can describe a texture that is unblemished and even, making it pleasant to touch or look at. It can also refer to actions or processes that are free from difficulties or interruptions. In addition to physical descriptions, "smooth" is often used metaphorically to describe social interactions or transitions that are handled with ease and finesse.

• I love this soup because it has a very smooth and creamy texture.

• The surface of the table is very smooth, making it ideal for writing.

• He handled the negotiations in a smooth and professional manner.

• Their new song has a really smooth melody that's easy to listen to.

Smoothness in this context refers to the quality of being smooth, which can be applied to various surfaces or to describe the uninterrupted flow of an action or process. The term is often used in physical and metaphorical senses, indicating not only the texture of an object but also the seamless execution of tasks or operations.

• The smoothness of the silk made it very comfortable to wear.

• He was impressed by the smoothness of the operation, which went without any issues.

• The car's suspension was designed for maximum smoothness, even on rough roads. 

Soggy is often used to describe things that have absorbed too much water or moisture, making them wet and heavy. It is particularly common when describing food that has lost its crispness or firmness due to excess moisture. For example, cereal can become soggy if it sits in milk for too long. Similarly, clothing or other materials can feel soggy if they are soaked with water, which can be uncomfortable.

• The bread became soggy after being left out in the rain.

• I don't like soggy cereal; I prefer it crunchy.

• We had to cancel the picnic because the ground was too soggy.

• My shoes were soggy after walking through the puddles.

• We threw out the soggy vegetables that were in the bottom of the fridge. 

Springy describes the quality of being able to return to an original shape after being compressed or stretched. This characteristic is often desirable in various materials and products, such as mattresses, sofas, and even some types of clothing, which need to maintain their shape and offer comfort and support. The term can also metaphorically apply to someone's energetic and lively personality.

• The new mattress is very springy and comfortable.

• She walked across the springy turf, feeling it bounce under her feet.

• The springy texture of the bread made it very enjoyable to eat. 

The adjective "steamed" can refer to both the method of cooking something using steam and the state of being very angry or upset. When used in a culinary context, it describes food that has been cooked over boiling water, allowing it to be heated and cooked by steam. In a more figurative sense, when someone is described as "steamed," it means they are agitated or angry, often due to some specific incident or frustration. 

• She served steamed vegetables with dinner.

• He was getting all steamed up about the delays.

• The restaurant specializes in steamed seafood dishes.

Stringy is often used to describe the texture of certain foods, where the fibers are tough and noticeable. This adjective can apply to meats, vegetables, or even cheeses that have a fibrous, stretchy quality. It's not always a positive description, as stringy textures can be undesirable in some dishes, making them difficult to eat or enjoy.

• The meat was a bit stringy, which made it hard to chew.

• I prefer stringy cheese on my pizza for that perfect stretch.

• The celery was so stringy that it got stuck in my teeth. 

Tender as an adjective primarily describes something that is soft or gentle to the touch or in manner. It can refer to physical textures, like meat or fabric, or it can describe emotional expressions and actions, such as a person's care or voice. The versatility of the word "tender" makes it useful in various contexts, from culinary descriptions to interpersonal interactions.

• Her tender smile made everyone in the room feel at ease.

• The meat was so tender that it fell apart with a fork.

• He placed a tender kiss on her forehead. 

Texture refers to the physical feel or visual appearance of a surface. It can describe the tactile qualities like roughness or smoothness, as well as visual patterns that might suggest such qualities. In art, texture is often used to add depth and interest to paintings and sculptures. In the culinary world, texture is crucial as it affects how food feels in the mouth and can greatly enhance the eating experience.

• The fabric has a smooth texture that feels nice against the skin.

• You can see the texture of the wood very clearly in this furniture.

• The artist used thick paint to create an interesting texture on the canvas. 

Watery describes something that contains a lot of water or liquid, making it thin or diluted. It can also refer to something that causes or resembles water, such as watery eyes which appear tearful, often due to irritation or emotion. The term is frequently used to describe foods or drinks that lack thickness or depth of flavor due to excessive liquid.

• The soup was too watery and lacked flavor.

• Her eyes became watery from the strong wind.

• I prefer a watery consistency in my smoothies.