What does scrumptiously mean?
“Scrumptiously” is an informal adverb meaning “in a delicious or highly pleasing way.” It is most often used with food and drink, as in “The pasta was scrumptiously rich,” but it can also describe a striking appearance, a successful performance, or any other thing that inspires enthusiastic approval. The word has a warm, indulgent tone and suggests sensory pleasure rather than merely technical quality. “Scrumptious” is its corresponding adjective: a meal might be described as “scrumptious,” while “scrumptiously rich” focuses on the way the meal is prepared or experienced. Although the adverb can intensify general approval, as in “scrumptiously good,” its strongest and most natural association remains with food that is exceptionally delicious.
adverbIn a scrumptious way; so deliciously or pleasingly that it is difficult to resist.
- In a way that is delicious, attractive, or highly pleasing; with great enjoyment or appeal.
"The chef served a scrumptiously rich chocolate tart at the dinner party."
"The bread smells scrumptiously buttery and warm."
"She wore a scrumptiously elegant dress to the opera."
Sometimes one perfectly good adjective is not enough: a meal can be scrumptious—and scrumptiously presented.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scrumptiously come from?
“Scrumptiously” is the adverb formed from the adjective “scrumptious,” which developed in 19th-century English and appears to combine older elements meaning something like “scrape” or “compress” with the suffix “-ptious.” The precise origin is uncertain, so it should not be confidently assigned to a single inherited root. Its meaning in food contexts, meaning delicious or appetizing, was well established by the early 20th century.
How scrumptiously is actually used
This word is informal and strongly positive. It is especially common in speech and in descriptions of food, but it can also be used more broadly to mean excellent or very attractive.
Easily confused with scrumptiously
“Scrumptious” is the standard adjective meaning delicious or excellent, while “scrumptiously” is the adverb describing how something is done or enjoyed.