season
Definitions
One of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter)
季节（春、夏、秋、冬之一）
A period of the year associated with a particular activity or event
（某活动或事件的）时节，旺季；赛季
To add salt, herbs, or spices to food to improve its flavour
给（食物）调味，加佐料
To make wood or other material ready for use by leaving it for a period of time
（经过放置使木材等）变得适于使用，风干养护
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin satiō, "a sowing," via Old French saison. The sowing time of farmers widened into any natural period of the year — and then, through the idea of "bringing something to its right state by time," extended into the kitchen: to season food is to bring it to its full flavour.
Root season still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
Why does one word mean both "part of the year" and "add flavour"? Both come from the idea of the right time and the right state. The year's sowing period (satiō) became "season" the noun; the act of making food ready and full-flavoured became "season" the verb. The common thread is ripeness — something reaching the state it's meant to be in.
Common Collocations
- 1.the rainy season雨季
- 2.peak season旺季
- 3.in season当季的
- 4.out of season过季的
- 5.season tickets季票
Example Sentences
- 1.
Autumn is my favourite season because of the cool, crisp air.
- 2.
Strawberries are cheapest when they are in season.
- 3.
The team had a disappointing season and finished near the bottom.
- 4.
Season the soup with a little salt and black pepper.