French word

soupçon

Pronunciation

IPA/supsɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpinch

Example

Ajoutez un soupçon de sel avant de goûter.

Add a pinch of salt before tasting.

Illustration for soupçon (pinch)

More examples

Versez un soupçon d'huile dans la vinaigrette.

Pour a small amount of oil into the dressing.

Core concept

A faint signal at the edge of awareness, whether it suggests doubt or adds only the slightest touch of an ingredient.

Common phrases

  • un soupçon de sel

    a small amount of salt

  • un soupçon d'huile

    a small amount of oil

  • un soupçon de sucre

    a small amount of sugar

Similar words

doute: A feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence.
pincée: A tiny amount that can be held between the fingertips.
goutte: A small drop of liquid.
trace: A slight remaining mark or sign of something.

Definition in French

Signifie une impression légère, une trace ténue ou une quantité minime.

Word origin

Soupçon derives from Old French forms related to Latin suspicio, and French extended the original idea of suspicion to a barely detectable trace or quantity.

Usage tips

  • Soupçon is masculine, so the phrase is un soupçon, not une soupçon, while its plural des soupçons commonly refers to suspicions about a person or situation.

Other meanings

  • suspicionnoun
  • inklingnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word