savour of
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To have a slight feeling or suggestion of something; to seem to have a certain quality.
Literal meaning: To taste or savour of something — the flavour metaphor applied to abstract qualities.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To suggest or carry a trace of a particular quality, often something negative or morally questionable.
"The proposal savoured of nepotism, as three of the five shortlisted candidates were relatives of the panel."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
British spelling of 'savor of'. Both forms are literary and formal, more common in older texts. In modern English, 'smack of' is the more natural equivalent.
Commonly used with
heresy insolence intrigue nepotism corruption flattery
Forms
Base
savour of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
savours of
he/she/it
Past simple
savoured of
yesterday
Past participle
savoured of
have + pp
-ing form
savouring of
continuous
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