Dulcet

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈdʌl.sɪt/

Definitions

• Sweet and soothing, especially in reference to sound.
• Pleasant to the senses, particularly in a gentle and melodious manner.

Usage Examples

• The dulcet tones of the violin filled the concert hall.
• She spoke in a dulcet voice that immediately put everyone at ease.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English, from Old French "douz" (sweet), which traces back to Latin "dulcis" meaning "sweet" or "pleasing."

Synonyms

• Melodious
• Harmonious
• Sweet-sounding
• Soothing

Antonyms

• Harsh
• Discordant
• Jarring

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈdʌl.sɪt/
• British English: /ˈdʌl.sɪt/

Historical Usage

The word "dulcet" has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily in poetic and literary contexts to describe pleasant and musical sounds.

Cultural Nuances

"Dulcet" is often used in a somewhat exaggerated or ironic way in modern English, especially in phrases like "dulcet tones" when referring to someone's speech.

More Information

The term "dulcet" is often associated with music and poetry, where it conveys a sense of harmony and pleasantness. It has also been used metaphorically to describe anything that is gentle, soothing, or agreeable.