Chile vs. Chili: What's the Difference?
While chile and chili sound quite similar, they represent distinct entities. Chile generally refers to the Capsicum pepper and is also the proper Spanish spelling for these hot or sweet pepper varieties. It's also the name of a South American country. Chili, on the other hand, refers to the spicy stew made with chile peppers, meat, and often beans and onions.
How do you use the word chile in a sentence?
The word chile is primarily used when referring to a variety of hot pepper or when speaking about the country in South America. As a food ingredient, chile can add spice and flavor to a dish. When discussing the country, note that Chile is capitalized, as it is a proper noun.
Examples of chile in a sentence
- She added a few slices of green chile to the salsa for an extra kick.
- During his vacation, he experienced vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes in Chile.
- The recipe calls for dried ancho chile to be soaked before blending into the sauce.
How do you use the word chili in a sentence?
The word chili is typically used as a noun to refer to a spicy, savory dish that is popular in Tex-Mex cuisine. It can be made with various ingredients and can range in levels of heat and flavor. It's a favorite comfort food for many, especially during the colder months or as a hearty meal on game day.
Examples of chili in a sentence
- Jason won the cook-off with his grandmother's secret chili recipe.
- With the snow falling outside, a hot bowl of chili was exactly what they needed to warm up.
- Chili peppers, often a key ingredient in chili, can range from mild to extremely spicy.
Chile and chili definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Chile definition:
Chile refers to a variety of Capsicum peppers both hot and sweet, as well as the South American country, officially the Republic of Chile.
Chile parts of speech:
Chile pronunciation:
Chile is pronounced as "chill-ay" when referring to the country, and "chill-ee" or sometimes just like "chili" when referring to the peppers, which can vary by regional dialects.
Chili definition:
Chili is a thick stew made of meat, chile peppers, and other ingredients such as beans and onions. It can also refer to the powdered spice mix made from ground chile peppers and other seasonings.
Chili parts of speech:
Chili pronunciation:
Chili is pronounced as "chill-ee" regardless of its use as a spice or dish.
Chile refers to a variety of Capsicum peppers both hot and sweet, as well as the South American country, officially the Republic of Chile.
Chile parts of speech:
- As a noun, chile describes the fruit from plants of the genus Capsicum: 'The recipe requires you to roast the chiles first.'
- As a proper noun, it names the country: 'Chile is known for its stunning Patagonian landscapes.'
Chile pronunciation:
Chile is pronounced as "chill-ay" when referring to the country, and "chill-ee" or sometimes just like "chili" when referring to the peppers, which can vary by regional dialects.
Chili definition:
Chili is a thick stew made of meat, chile peppers, and other ingredients such as beans and onions. It can also refer to the powdered spice mix made from ground chile peppers and other seasonings.
Chili parts of speech:
- As a noun, chili refers to the dish: 'She topped her chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.'
- Also as a noun, it can describe the spice blend: 'I need to buy some chili powder to spice up my chicken marinade.'
Chili pronunciation:
Chili is pronounced as "chill-ee" regardless of its use as a spice or dish.
Chile vs. chili in a nutshell
To sum up, chile often refers to pepper varieties or the country, whereas chili is the hot, savory stew favored in many cuisines. Chile peppers can be part of a chili recipe, adding the characteristic heat and flavor. When talking about the country, Chile is capitalized, distinguishing it from the culinary uses. Pronunciations differ between American and British English, as well as within various dialects, but context usually makes it clear which one is intended.
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