Learn English – Difference between “flavourful” and “flavoursome”

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What is the difference between flavourful and flavoursome?

I was reading a packet of raisins, which described the raisins as flavourful. I didn't recognise that word. Is it less common than flavoursome?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary just lists them both as adjectives, without elucidating further.

Best Answer

Earlier flavorsome (1853), flavory (1727), flavorous (1690s).

Today, it's flavorful (1904).

Flavoursome may still be found in British English writing and flavorsome rarely in some AmE.

Google nGram "flavoursome,flavorsome,flavourful,flavorful; 1920-2000; English.

Google nGram "flavoursome,flavorsome,flavourful,flavorful"; 1920-2000.

Google nGram "flavoursome,flavorsome,flavourful,flavorful; 1920-2000; British English.

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