What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
salty
Example
The soup was too salty for my taste. [salty: adjective]
Example
I added a pinch of salt to the pasta sauce to make it less bland. [salt: noun]
Example
He made a salty comment about her appearance, which offended her. [salty: adjective]
savoury
Example
The savoury aroma of the spices filled the kitchen. [savoury: adjective]
Example
I prefer savoury snacks like chips and nuts over sweet ones. [savoury: adjective]
Example
She has a savoury personality and is always there for her friends. [savoury: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Salty is more commonly used than savoury in everyday language, especially when describing taste and seasoning. Savoury is less common but still widely used to describe taste and a person's character or behaviour.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between salty and savoury?
Both salty and savoury can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, savoury may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its broader range of meanings and positive connotations.