additive
AD-uh-tiv
/ˈædətɪv/
A substance added to food to improve its flavor, appearance, texture, or shelf life.
While the word often carries a negative connotation of being 'chemical,' many additives are natural, such as citric acid from lemons.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'addere', which literally means 'to put to' or 'to join.' It entered the English language in the 17th century, originally referring to things added to a mathematical sum, before being applied to chemistry and food.
Word relationships
- supplement: A supplement is usually added for health benefits, whereas an additive is added for functional or aesthetic reasons.
Commonly confused with
- preservative: A preservative is a type of additive specifically meant to stop spoilage; additives also include dyes and flavors.
Word family
- add (verb): To put something together with something else.
- addition (noun): The act of adding.
Collocations
- food additive
- chemical additive
- natural additive
- color additive
Example sentences
- "The label lists every additive used, including those for color and texture." Reading food labels.
- "The FDA regulates each food additive to ensure it is 'generally recognized as safe' for consumption." Regulation of food safety.
Memory hook
It's right in the name: you 'add' an 'additive' to the mix. The 'added' extra.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'ingredient' in general; an additive is specifically something added in small amounts for a functional purpose, not the main bulk of the food.
Fun facts
- The most common food additive in the world is actually salt.
Related words
Explore more words
supplement, supplementary, supplementation, adulteration, intermediary, legacy
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.