French word

suave

Pronunciation

IPA/sɥav/

Meaning

  • adjectivesmooth

Example

Sa voix est suave.

Her voice is smooth.

Illustration for suave (smooth)

More examples

Il a une voix suave quand il chante.

He has a smooth voice when he sings.

Core concept

A smooth, continuous softness that gently fills the senses.

Common phrases

  • voix suave

    smooth voice

  • ton suave

    smooth tone

Similar words

doux: Soft, gentle, and pleasantly soothing to touch or hear.
agréable: Pleasant and free from anything unpleasant or disagreeable.
lisse: Even and smooth, without bumps, roughness, or irregular movement.

Definition in French

Décrit une douceur lisse et continue, agréable aux sens, souvent employé dans un registre plutôt soutenu ou littéraire.

Word origin

French suave comes from Latin suavis, meaning pleasant or sweet, and retains this sensory association in a refined, literary register.

Usage tips

  • In everyday French, doux or agréable is usually more natural, while suave often sounds literary or polished.

Other meanings

  • sweetadjective
  • seductiveadjective

Opposites

  • rugueuxroughadjective

Word lists with this word