French word

douceur

Pronunciation

IPA/dusœʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine noungentleness

Example

J'aime sa douceur.

I like her gentleness.

Illustration for douceur (gentleness)

More examples

Elle parle avec douceur.

She speaks with gentleness.

Core concept

A soft touch of calm that makes expression or behavior feel soothing rather than forceful.

Common phrases

  • parler avec douceur

    speak with gentleness

  • agir avec douceur

    act with gentleness

Similar words

gentillesse: A caring disposition that treats people kindly and offers help.
délicatesse: Tactful consideration for the feelings of others.

Definition in French

Qualité d'une voix, d'un geste ou d'une manière d'être qui montre calme, modération et délicatesse, produisant une impression apaisante.

Word origin

French douceur comes through Old French from Latin dulcor, related to dulcis, and its meaning extended from sweetness to gentle conduct.

Usage tips

  • In expressions such as avoir de la douceur dans la voix, douceur describes a vocal quality rather than a person's physical softness.

Other meanings

  • sweetnessnoun
  • softnessnoun
  • mildnessnoun

Opposites

  • sévéritéseveritynoun
  • duretéhardnessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word