Spice of Life: How to Use It Correctly

The full expression of "spice of life" is "variety is the spice of life," which means that having a diversity of experiences makes life more rich and fulfilling.

The idiomatic expression states that having a range of different experiences and interests makes life more interesting and enjoyable. It suggests that trying new things, exploring different aspects of life, and embracing change can add excitement and richness to one's existence. In essence, the phrase encourages people to avoid monotony and routine by seeking out diverse and novel experiences.

Examples of "Variety is the spice of life" in play

For instance, imagine a man named Joe. He is your average white-collar corporate employee who does the same things every week: goes to work from Monday through Friday and rests at home on the weekends. One day, he hears a quote that profoundly impacts him: "Variety is the spice of life." He then decides he is done with his monotonous life and ready to add color to his days by taking improvisation classes after work on the weekdays and going to at least one new place each weekend. He ends up having more fun on a day-to-day basis thanks to his new experiences that brought variety in his life.

"Variety is the spice of life" does not just apply to adding experiences to a life that is absent of any; it also encompasses changing your normal activities. Imagine a group of friends deciding to plan their weekend get-together. They discuss various activities they can do, including hiking, visiting a museum, or simply having a picnic in the park, which are all activities they normally do for their get-togethers. One week, one of the friends chimes in and says, "Let's try something new this time! Variety is the spice of life, after all." They eventually choose to attend a live concert, a different experience from their usual gatherings, to add some excitement and diversity to their weekend plans.

Origin of "Variety is the spice of life"

The saying is said to date back to the late 18th century when an English poet by the name of William Cowper (1731–1800) wrote in his poem The Task (1785), "Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour." This expression has endured through the years, highlighting the importance of diversity and change in making life more interesting and enjoyable. In recent times, variations of the saying, such as "Let's spice it up," continue to emphasize the value of introducing variety and excitement into various aspects of our lives.

Example sentences

Traveling to new places and meeting people from different cultures reminds us that variety is the spice of life.
She believed that trying different cuisines was essential because variety is the spice of life when it comes to food.
In her art class, she encouraged students to experiment with different techniques, as variety is the spice of life in creativity.
John loves his job because it offers him new challenges every day, and he believes that variety is the spice of life in the workplace.
As a chef, he constantly introduced new dishes to his restaurant's menu, believing that variety is the spice of life in dining.
Reading a diverse range of books and genres is her way of embracing the idea that variety is the spice of life in literature.
The couple enjoyed taking up various hobbies together, understanding that variety is the spice of life in their relationship.
The music festival featured artists from various genres to remind attendees that variety is the spice of life in music.
She redecorated her home regularly because she believed that variety is the spice of life in interior design.
Embracing different workout routines and exercises is her approach to fitness because she firmly believes that variety is the spice of life in staying active.

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