dulcet
UK: ˈdʌlsɪt | US: ˈdʌlsɪt
adj. (of sound) sweet and soothing
adj. (archaic) sweet to the taste
The word "dulcet" originates from the Latin dulcis (sweet), which passed into Old French as doulz or dous, later evolving into Middle English dulcet. The suffix "-et" is a diminutive or adjectival ending, often used to form descriptors. Initially, "dulcet" described literal sweetness (taste), but by the 15th century, it shifted primarily to auditory sweetness—reflecting a metaphorical extension from sensory pleasure in taste to sound.
The dulcet tones of the violin filled the concert hall.
She hummed a dulcet melody while working.
His voice was surprisingly dulcet for someone so stern.
The dulcet chime of wind bells eased her anxiety.
(Archaic) The dessert had a dulcet flavor reminiscent of honey.