dulcet

/ˈdʌlsɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʌlsɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdəl-sət/ (ame, mw)

dulcet — adjective

  • dulcetpositive
  • dulcetercomparative
  • dulcetestsuperlative

1. Having a gentle, attractive sound that makes listening enjoyable.

1.形容詞C2
釋義

Having a gentle, attractive sound that makes listening enjoyable.

例句

Liang woke to the dulcet notes of a bamboo flute downstairs.

collocation: dulcet notes

By sunset, dulcet guitar music drifted from the cafe across the lane.

collocation: dulcet music

同義詞
  • melodious

    Often suggests a clearly musical quality, while 'dulcet' can also describe softer everyday sounds.

  • sweet-sounding

    More direct and less literary; 'dulcet' has a more elevated tone.

  • soothing

    Emphasises the calming effect, while 'dulcet' focuses on how pleasing the sound itself is.

反義詞
  • harsh

    Describes a rough, unpleasant sound that grates on the ear.

  • grating

    Stresses that the sound is sharp and irritating rather than pleasing.

文法句型

dulcet + noun

be + dulcet

用法筆記

Most often describes music, bells, birdsong, or other pleasing sounds. In current use it usually feels literary or slightly playful rather than everyday.

2. Used of a speaker or singer whose voice sounds smooth, warm, and easy to listen

2.形容詞C2
釋義

Used of a speaker or singer whose voice sounds smooth, warm, and easy to listen to.

例句

Yara's dulcet voice calmed the children during the long bus ride.

collocation: dulcet voice

Even on the phone, Professor Linh's voice sounded dulcet and reassuring.

pattern: voice + sounded + dulcet

同義詞
  • mellow

    Suggests a rich, soft quality, often with warmth; 'dulcet' sounds more literary.

  • soothing

    Highlights the calming effect more than the beauty of the voice itself.

  • soft-spoken

    Describes a quiet way of speaking, while 'dulcet' focuses on pleasant sound quality.

反義詞
  • shrill

    Describes a high, piercing voice that is hard to listen to.

  • rasping

    Emphasises a rough, scratchy voice rather than a smooth one.

文法句型

dulcet + voice

dulcet + tone

voice + be + dulcet

用法筆記

Usually modifies voice, tone, or speech when the speaker sounds calm and pleasing. Distinguish it from sense 1, which can describe enjoyable sounds in general, not only the human voice.