Spanish word

endulzar

Pronunciation

IPA/endulˈθaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbsweeten

Example

Quiero endulzar el té con miel.

I want to sweeten the tea with honey.

Illustration for endulzar (sweeten)

More examples

Pequeños detalles pueden endulzar la vida.

Small details can sweeten life.

Core concept

Adding sweet flavor or easing the harshness of words or situations.

Common phrases

  • endulzar el té

    sweeten the tea

  • endulzar con azúcar

    sweeten with sugar

  • endulzar la vida

    sweeten life

Similar words

suavizar: Reduces the forcefulness of words or attitude to sound more mild.
edulcorar: Smooths rough expressions to make statements more palatable.

Definition in Spanish

Volver algo más dulce en sabor o atenuar la dureza de una expresión o situación para hacerla más aceptable.

Word origin

Formed from en- + dulce (Latin dulcis) + -ar, literally 'to add sweetness' with a figurative use for reducing harshness.

Usage tips

  • When applied to news, criticism, or a message (endulzar la noticia), the verb means to tone down harsh details rather than to change factual content.

Other meanings

  • softenverb

Opposites

Related words

  • endulzantesweetenernoun
  • endulzamientosweeteningnoun
  • endulzadosweetenedadjective

Word lists with this word