Word
caress
Phoneticsca·ress, stress on the second syllable
US/kɝˈɛs/
UK/kəɹˈɛs/
Definition
n. a gentle touch or a soft, kind way of speaking to someone. It is usually a way to show love or comfort.
n. a gentle, affectionate touch or a soft, soothing manner of speaking. Often used to describe physical gestures of intimacy or emotional reassurance.
Examples
“The mother gave her child a gentle caress.”
“He offered a warm caress to the old book, showing how much he valued it.”
“The poet's words were a soothing caress to the weary soul, providing a moment of peace in a world of constant noise.”
Examples
simple
“The mother gave her child a gentle caress.”
contextual
“He offered a warm caress to the old book, showing how much he valued it.”
complex
“The poet's words were a soothing caress to the weary soul, providing a moment of peace in a world of constant noise.”
Real-World Examples
“Martín Zubimendi’s pass found him on the edge of the six-yard box and the finish was caressed into the far corner.” “One hour alone, to kiss and caress him.” Etymology
From French caresse, from Italian carezza (“dear”), from Latin cārus (“dear”), from Proto-Indo-European *keh₂-, akin to Sanskrit काम (kāma, “love”). Doublet of karezza.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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