buttery smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

"buttery smooth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is silky or velvety in texture, for example a fabric, a skin cream, or a soft surface. For example: "This fabric is so buttery smooth, making it a delight to touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

His voice was buttery smooth, his demeanor both humble and dignified.

The New York Times

Dirty Laundry has been praised for its candour and your buttery smooth vocal.

The Guardian - Music

"Everything runs at a buttery smooth 60 frames per second, with virtually no hang-ups or technical issues that my naked eye could discern".

Independent

God of War veterans will welcome the buttery smooth frame rate, and new players will get a fresh look at one of Sony Santa Monica's great successes.

Independent

Its ubiquity may define it as ordinary, but this combination of engine and transmission is so buttery smooth that its gears could well be lubricated by cholesterol.

The New York Times

The meat was buttery smooth, gristle-free, with full beef flavor, and grilled just as I had ordered it: medium rare.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The buttery-smooth scene-maker's kingdom includes two restaurants, a style magazine and a celebrity-filled bar — all based on the same street where he lives.

The New York Times

Age dashi tofu, an old favorite, featured a buttery-smooth bean curd, but the sauce around the tofu square was a curious rubbery netting.

The New York Times

Stop at Choco-Mus??ico (634, rue St.-Jean; 418-524-2122; chocomusee.com) for a cocoa history primer and savor a buttery-smooth chocolate filled with pecans and salted caramel.

The New York Times

Middle Eastern mezzes like the lemony tabouleh — far finer and greener than anything served in the West — and the buttery-smooth hummus are followed by freshly grilled seafood, spicy kebabs or grilled chicken.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's buttery-smooth," Russell said noting that this support was coming to all browsers shortly.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buttery smooth" to describe textures, performances, or transitions that are exceptionally seamless and pleasant. For instance, "The new software update provides a buttery smooth user experience."

Common error

Avoid using "buttery smooth" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more precise and technical language when describing processes or results in scientific papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buttery smooth" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its texture or quality. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility, used across various contexts to describe physical textures, digital experiences, and even abstract qualities like a voice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buttery smooth" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase, primarily functioning as a compound adjective to describe something exceptionally seamless and pleasant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its common use across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal language in academic or professional settings. Its related phrases, such as "silky smooth" or "seamless", provide alternative ways to express a similar concept while adjusting the level of formality or emphasis. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include TechCrunch, The New York Times, and Forbes, indicating its relevance in describing technology, culture, and lifestyle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as smooth as butter

Alternative simile using the word "butter".

silky smooth

Replaces "buttery" with "silky", emphasizing a similar texture.

velvety smooth

Uses "velvety" instead of "buttery", highlighting a soft and luxurious quality.

seamless

Focuses on the lack of interruption or roughness.

effortless

Emphasizes the ease and lack of difficulty.

fluid

Highlights the flowing and uninterrupted nature.

gliding

Suggests a smooth and continuous movement.

polished

Implies refinement and lack of imperfections.

refined

Conveys a sense of sophistication and smoothness.

like silk

Simile comparing smoothness to silk.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to "buttery smooth"?

You can use alternatives like "silky smooth", "velvety smooth", or "seamless" depending on the context.

Is "buttery smooth" appropriate for formal writing?

While "buttery smooth" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise language in academic or professional settings.

What does it mean when something is described as "buttery smooth"?

It means that something is exceptionally seamless, pleasant, and without any noticeable friction or interruption. It's often used to describe textures, performances, or transitions.

Which is more appropriate, "buttery smooth" or "smooth"?

"Buttery smooth" is more descriptive and emphasizes a luxurious or pleasant smoothness, while "smooth" is a more general term. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and the specific context.