Dulcet
adj.calm, joyfulliterary
What it means
Pleasantly sweet, gentle, and soothing to hear.
Reach for it when praising a voice, tone, or sound for smooth musical softness
Dulcet flute notes settled over the courtyard at dusk.
Choose between these
6- everyday
when a rounded, relaxed tone has no harsh edge
not when Mellow can be low or warm without the light sweetness implied by dulcet.
- everyday
when a familiar word for pleasant sound is preferable
not when Sweet is broad and can sound childish or sentimental in formal music criticism.
- warm
when the sound's calming effect matters most
not when Soothing may describe rain or noise without suggesting musical sweetness.
- professional
when expressive musical flow deserves attention
not when Lyrical emphasizes expression and line, not necessarily gentleness or sweetness.
- formal
when a voice or language flows with rich, smooth sweetness
not when Mellifluous is more ornate and can sound affected in an everyday compliment.
- literary
when a pleasing sequence of musical tones is central
not when A single soft voice or bell tone can be dulcet without forming a melody.
Said against
3- harsh
- strident
- grating
It naturally appears in
3- dulcet tones
The host's dulcet tones made the late announcement easier to hear.
- dulcet voice
Her dulcet voice carried clearly without disturbing the quiet room.
- dulcet melody
A dulcet melody returned between the louder movements.