sweetness
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the sweet taste of something, like sugar or fruit.
the quality of being sweet to the palate, typically associated with sugar or ripe fruit.
Simple“The natural sweetness of the strawberries meant we didn't need to add any sugar.”
In context“The chef balanced the acidity of the vinegar with the intense sweetness of a balsamic reduction.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the general quality of taste.
Synonymssugary tasteAntonymsbitternesssourness - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a kind and gentle character or way of behaving.
a pleasant or kind disposition; the quality of being gentle and agreeable in character.
Simple“Everyone in the office was touched by the sweetness of her personality.”
In context“Despite the hardships he faced, he never lost the innate sweetness that made him so beloved by his peers.”
SynonymsAntonymscrueltyharshness - 03 C1 Advanced
the quality of being pleasant to hear, see, or experience.
the quality of giving pleasure to the senses or the mind, such as a melodic sound or a fresh scent.
Simple“The sweetness of the bird's song filled the garden on a quiet morning.”
In context“The poet wrote extensively about the sweetness of the spring air after a heavy rainstorm.”
SynonymspleasantnessmelodiousnessAntonymsdiscordharshness - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a name you call someone you love, like 'honey' or 'darling'.
a term of address used for a romantic partner or a loved one.
Simple“"Goodnight, sweetness," he said as he tucked the child into bed.”
In context“While some find the term 'sweetness' overly sentimental, it remains a common informal address between couples in certain regions.”
UsageUsed as a vocative or direct address.
Synonyms
From Middle English swetnes, swetnesse, from Old English swētnes (“sweetness”), from Proto-West Germanic *swōtinassī (“sweetness”), equivalent to sweet + -ness. Cognate with West Frisian swietens (“sweetness”), obsolete Dutch zoetenis (“sweetness”), Old High German swuoznessi, suoznessi (“sweetness”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.