Dulcet
adjective /ˈdʌl.sɪt/ — Sweet and soothing to the ear
Definition
Sweet and soothing in sound — pleasantly melodious in a gentle, honeyed way. Used especially of voices and music that comfort without demanding.
Beyond the definition
The sound that reassures. Dulcet tones suggest a world that is still, safe, and kind.
Origin & history
From Old French 'douset', diminutive of 'doux' (sweet), from Latin 'dulcis' (sweet). The same root as 'dolce' in Italian and 'dulce' in Spanish. Something dulcet is gently sweet.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
In dulcet tones she delivered what was, on closer inspection, an extremely firm refusal.
The dulcet sound of the harpsichord filled the room with something like afternoon light.
He had the dulcet quality of a person who has made peace with their own voice.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Dulcet” when the meaning fits your context: Sweet and soothing in sound — pleasantly melodious in a gentle, honeyed way. Used especially of voices and music that comfort without demanding.
Synonyms
sweet, melodious, soothing, mellifluous, gentle
Antonyms
harsh, strident, grating, discordant
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Anticipation of Musical Sound
An adult sits calmly at a piano with hands hovering over the keys, captured in a moment of expectant and soft light.
This scene represents the essence of dulcet tones by showing the quiet potential of music before it begins. The calm, unhurried posture and the soft lighting illustrate the soothing and honeyed quality of sounds that comfort without demanding, focusing on the potential for gentle, melodious performance rather than loud or aggressive expression.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Dulcet" mean?
Dulcet is adjective meaning: Sweet and soothing to the ear. Sweet and soothing in sound — pleasantly melodious in a gentle, honeyed way. Used especially of voices and music that comfort without demanding.
Where does the word "Dulcet" come from?
From Old French 'douset', diminutive of 'doux' (sweet), from Latin 'dulcis' (sweet). The same root as 'dolce' in Italian and 'dulce' in Spanish. Something dulcet is gently sweet.