caress

USAGE SUMMARY

"caress" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when expressing a gentle touch or affectionate gesture. Example Sentence: He caressed her hair lovingly as they embraced.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The word sounds so inoffensive, a synonym for "brush" or "caress".

The Guardian

That final caress, with her delicate fingers, was a gesture only a woman might have thought of making.She married well, to an aristocratic nephew of her riding teacher, and spent the rest of her life writing articles, breeding Portuguese water dogs and doing the diplomatic round.

The Economist

Seated cross-legged and bare-footed, the traditional Pushtun loves nothing more than to sip a glass of sweet green tea with one hand and caress the soles of his feet with the other.It is a gesture designed to convey how entirely at ease with the world he is.

The Economist

Closely linking remuneration to the share price may encourage staff to caress the figures.

The Economist

He discerned an erotic element to bathing, observing that "one of the few occasions when the puritanical American [is] allowed to caress himself or herself [is] while applying soap".

The Economist

If it started to smell bad like the one about Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's first Communist leader he turned it into a stinging dart instead:Let the hacks with their prostituted pens Comb his beard, pat his head, caress his arse!

The Economist

IT IS a cardinal rule of French politics that a presidential candidate must know how to caress a bovine bottom with aplomb.

The Economist

We shake hands, slap backs, kiss and caress.

The Economist

For all his stern rationality, sometimes he could not help calling out Jimmie's name; and each time the wind seemed to rise and caress the cheek of the "last famous novelist" in America, and the last true Augustan in the world.

The Economist

They caress wood as if it were a living being and treat it with essences from the far corners of the world.

The Economist

Even when obvious tubercles are absent, the male uses a rubbing technique to stimulate the female, and in some species a muscle ripple moving along the male's body will provide a lateral caress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "caress", consider the emotional context to ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing. It's best used in situations where affection and gentleness are emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "caress" in highly formal or professional writing, as it carries a connotation of intimacy and affection that may be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "caress" is as a verb, describing the act of touching someone or something gently and affectionately. Ludwig shows that it can also function as a noun, referring to the act of endearment itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caress" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a verb to describe a tender and loving touch. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is generally used to convey affection or intimacy, and while most frequently found in News & Media contexts, it is also used in Encyclopedias. Though considered acceptable, you should still be cautious when using "caress" in formal writing. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it conveys a specific emotional tone, so consider the context carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroke gently

Focuses on the gentle motion of touching.

fondle lovingly

Emphasizes affectionate handling.

touch tenderly

Highlights the tenderness of the touch.

embrace softly

Describes a gentle embrace.

brush lightly

Suggests a very light and gentle contact.

pat affectionately

Indicates a gentle pat with affection.

graze gently

Implies a fleeting and gentle touch.

cradle softly

Suggests a gentle and comforting hold.

soothe gently

Focuses on calming or comforting through touch.

pet softly

Implies a gentle, repeated stroking motion, often used with animals.

FAQs

How do you use "caress" in a sentence?

You can use "caress" to describe a gentle and affectionate touch. For example, "He caressed her cheek lovingly".

What verbs are similar to "caress"?

Similar verbs include "stroke gently", "fondle lovingly", and "touch tenderly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "caress" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "caress" may be too intimate for formal or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "touch gently" or "handle with care" for a more neutral tone.

What is the difference between "caress" and "stroke"?

"Caress" implies a more affectionate and tender touch than "stroke". While stroking can be a simple, repetitive motion, a caress is usually imbued with emotion and care.