French word

délice

Pronunciation

IPA/delis/

Meaning

  • masculine noundelight

Example

Voir ton sourire est un délice.

Seeing your smile is a delight.

Illustration for délice (delight)

More examples

Ce petit gâteau est un délice pour les papilles.

This little cake is a delight for the taste buds.

Core concept

Something savored with deep pleasure, whether it is a taste, a sight, or another joyful experience.

Common phrases

  • un délice pour les papilles

    a delight for the taste buds

  • un petit délice

    a little delight

Similar words

plaisir: A gentle sense of satisfaction or enjoyment in everyday life.
joie: A clear joy that brightens the heart and lifts the spirit.
bonheur: A lasting, deep sense of complete happiness and fulfillment.
régal: The joyful satisfaction of enjoying food or drink.

Definition in French

Plaisir vif ressenti à la suite d'une expérience agréable.

Word origin

The word comes through Old French delice from Latin delectare, to delight, and names the delight produced by an agreeable experience.

Usage tips

  • Délice is stronger than a neutral expression of liking, so J'ai bien aimé is often a milder alternative.

Other meanings

  • pleasurenoun
  • blissnoun
  • delicacynoun

Opposites

  • déplaisirdispleasurenoun
  • désagrémentinconveniencenoun

Related words

  • délicieuxdeliciousadjective
  • délicieusementdeliciouslyadverb

Word lists with this word