saccharine
UK: ˈsæk.ər.iːn | US: ˈsæk.ər.ɪn
adj. excessively sweet or sentimental
adj. relating to or resembling sugar
n. a synthetic sweetener derived from sulfamic acid
saccharine = sacchar<sugar> + ine<adjective suffix>
- sacchar: From Latin saccharum (sugar), borrowed from Greek sákcharon (grit, gravel, later sugar). Originally referred to unrefined sugar crystals.
- ine: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating "of or pertaining to" (e.g., crystalline, divine).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to ancient trade routes, where Greek sákcharon likely borrowed from Sanskrit śarkarā (ground sugar, grit). The Latin saccharum preserved this meaning, later entering English via scientific terminology. The suffix -ine was added in the 19th century to describe sugar-like qualities, eventually extending metaphorically to describe cloying sweetness in language or behavior.
The saccharine aroma of caramel filled the bakery.
Her saccharine compliments felt insincere.
Saccharine is 300 times sweeter than sucrose.
The movie’s ending was criticized for its saccharine sentimentality.
Avoid saccharine substitutes if you prefer natural sweetness.