1 C1 idiomatic formal
To have a hint or suggestion of a particular quality or characteristic, especially something negative or suspicious.
"His sudden generosity savored of a hidden agenda, and few trusted it."
inseparable
savor of
C1 formal inseparable transitive
American spelling of 'savour of': to have a suggestion or trace of a particular quality, often something undesirable.
In plain English
To have a slight smell, taste, or feeling of something; to suggest a certain quality.
What does "savor of" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To taste or smell of something — the literal sense transfers to figurative quality.
Actually means
To have a slight smell, taste, or feeling of something; to suggest a certain quality.
Usage tip
Literary and formal. More common in older writing than in contemporary usage. The American spelling 'savor of' and the British 'savour of' are identical in meaning. Often used to suggest something slightly suspicious or unworthy.
Words that pair with "savor of"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
heresy arrogance deception ambition intrigue flattery
How to conjugate "savor of"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
savor of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
savors of
he/she/it
Past simple
savored of
yesterday
Past participle
savored of
have + pp
-ing form
savoring of
continuous
Hear "savor of" in the wild
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