French Conversation · Level 105
58 words
French word
caresse
Pronunciation
IPA/kaʁɛs/
Meaning
- feminine nouncaress
Example
Le chat réclame une caresse.
The cat is asking to be petted.
More examples
Il lui donne une caresse sur la tête.
He gives her a caress on the head.
Core concept
A tender stroke of the hand that makes affection or reassurance tangible.
Common phrases
une caresse sur la tête
a caress on the head
une caresse affectueuse
an affectionate caress
Similar words
câlin: A warm hug that expresses affection or reassurance by wrapping someone in both arms.
bisou: A light kiss given briefly to express affection or greet someone.
papouille: A tender, playful touch made by lightly tickling or stroking someone.
Definition in French
Contact doux et tendre, généralement effectué à la main, pour montrer de l'affection ou apaiser.
Word origin
The French noun caresse derives from Italian carezza, which traces back to Latin carus, meaning dear.
Usage tips
- The related verb caresser takes a direct object: caresser le chat, without a preposition before the animal.