dulcet

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dulcet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a pleasant or soothing sound, sight, taste, or smell. For example: "The dulcet sound of the waterfall was calming and soothing to my frayed nerves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those who retain dial-up telephone access are indeed bound by contract to pony up between $10 and $26 a month to hear those dulcet connection tones.

The Economist

The young vocalist steadily accrued accolades for his dulcet stylings, earning comparisons to crooners ranging from Frank Sinatra to Adele.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Capitalizing on the musicianship of gifted guitarist Stills, the skillful songwriting of all three members, and the dulcet three-part harmonies that were their trademark, Crosby, Stills & Nash produced a best-selling eponymous debut album in 1969 that remained on the charts for more than two years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, his dulcet tones have been enlisted for a most challenging of roles: he has been cast as "the voice of nature".

Independent

British viewers can tune into Graham Norton's dulcet tones for live coverage on BBC1 tonight.

Independent

Duncan Riddell's dulcet first violin more than caught the abiding nostalgia of the piece, he and his colleagues addressing the touches of sweet harmony with as much intimacy as is possible in this acoustically lively hall.

Independent

Imagine watching idyllic natural scenes on Planet Earth only instead of David Attenborough's dulcet tones, it's Snoop Doggy Dogg narrating those mating scenes.

Independent

Packed with smugglers and secret passages, rum-toting sailors, romance, and adventures in exotic parts, She Rises sings to its reader with the dulcet hypnotising tones of its true heroine, the sea; luring you in, then lulling you into its rolling pace.

Independent

The 28-year-old actor, famed for his dulcet and straight-faced delivery of some of the silliest lines in the Seven Kingdoms ("Come stand by the fire.

Independent

Saturday was stronger and more varied, boasting the return of Eminem, whose barnstorming headline set was aided in part by a surprise cameo from the dulcet tones of British singer Dido on his stalker hit 'Stan'.

Independent

So c'mon Charlie, I know it's hard adjusting to a world where the Yellow Team can't look themselves in the mirror, but that's the way it is and dulcet tones alone won't sustain me any more.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dulcet" to add a touch of sophistication and elegance when describing sounds, especially in formal writing or when aiming for a poetic effect. For example, instead of 'pleasant sound,' consider 'dulcet tones' to enhance the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "dulcet" to describe visual or tactile sensations. "Dulcet" primarily refers to sounds; using it for sights or textures dilutes its impact and may confuse readers. Reserve it for auditory experiences that are sweet and melodious.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "dulcet" primarily functions as a modifier to describe sounds, indicating they are pleasing, sweet, and melodious. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in contexts involving auditory experiences, where it enhances the descriptive quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dulcet" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe pleasant and melodious sounds. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its frequency in News & Media sources. While "dulcet" can occasionally refer to tastes or smells, it's best reserved for auditory contexts. For alternatives, consider "melodious" or "sweet-sounding". Avoid misusing "dulcet" for visual or tactile sensations. Employ "dulcet" to add sophistication when describing sounds in formal writing. The word carries a formal tone and is best used in professional or neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

melodious

Refers specifically to a pleasing sequence of musical notes.

sweet-sounding

Emphasizes the delightful auditory quality.

harmonious

Highlights the balanced and agreeable combination of sounds.

euphonious

Stresses the pleasantness of the sound's texture and flow.

soothing

Focuses on the calming and relaxing effect of the sound.

mellifluous

Suggests a rich, smooth, and flowing sound.

silvery

Implies a clear, bright, and pure tone.

golden-toned

Evokes a warm, rich, and valuable sound.

pleasant-sounding

A more general term for agreeable auditory experiences.

charming

Highlights the delightful and captivating quality of a sound.

FAQs

How can I use "dulcet" in a sentence?

Use "dulcet" to describe sounds that are sweet and pleasing to the ear. For example, "The singer's "dulcet voice" captivated the audience."

What words are similar to "dulcet"?

Similar words include "melodious", "sweet-sounding", "harmonious", and "euphonious", each conveying a nuanced form of auditory pleasantness.

Is it correct to use "dulcet" to describe a taste or smell?

While traditionally used for sounds, "dulcet" can occasionally describe a sweet taste or smell, though this usage is less common. It's best reserved for auditory contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

What's the difference between "dulcet" and "pleasant"?

"Pleasant" is a general term for something enjoyable, whereas "dulcet" specifically implies a sweet, melodious, and often soothing quality, primarily in reference to sounds. "Dulcet" carries a more refined and evocative connotation.