Sweet: meaning, definitions and examples

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sweet

[swiːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

taste

Having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar or honey; not salty, sour, or bitter.

Synonyms

honeyed, saccharine, sugary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sweet	This word was listed twice, refer to the first entry for the description.
sugary	When specifically referring to food or drinks with high sugar content, or when describing something excessively sweet in character or tone. The soda is too sugary. His sugary compliments seemed fake.
saccharine	When describing something overly sweet, both literally and metaphorically, often with a negative or insincere connotation. The movie was filled with saccharine moments. Her saccharine smile didn't convince anyone.
honeyed	When describing something with a smooth, pleasant, or flattering quality, often in speech or tone. His honeyed words made her blush. She spoke in a honeyed voice.

Examples of usage

The cake was very sweet and delicious.
She likes her coffee sweet with lots of sugar.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

personality

Kind, gentle, or friendly in a way that makes people like you or feel comfortable around you.

Synonyms

amiable, charming, pleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sweet	Often used to describe a person who is kind, gentle, and lovable. It can also be used to refer to flavors or scents that are sugary or pleasant. She is so sweet to everyone she meets. The cake has a very sweet taste.
pleasant	Generally used to describe something that gives a sense of enjoyment or satisfaction. Can refer to people, experiences, weather, and more. We had a very pleasant afternoon at the park. She is a pleasant person to work with.
charming	Refers to someone who is attractive, pleasing, or has a magnetic personality. Often used in social settings or when talking about attractiveness. He has a charming smile that lights up the room. The old town is full of charming little shops.
amiable	Typically used to describe someone who is friendly and easy to get along with. Suitable for formal writing or polite conversation. He is known for his amiable nature. Her amiable disposition makes her a great team member.

Examples of usage

She has a sweet personality and is always willing to help others.
He gave her a sweet smile and made her feel at ease.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

affectionate term

Used as an affectionate term, especially by couples or close friends.

Synonyms

darling, dear, love.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sweet	Used to describe something that is pleasant to the taste or a kind gesture. It is also an affectionate term to refer to someone in a gentle and endearing way. That cake you baked is really sweet You are so sweet for helping me with my homework
darling	Used to refer to a loved one in a very affectionate and sentimental way. Often used between romantic partners or close family members. Good morning, darling! How was your day, darling?
dear	Used to address someone in a polite and affectionate manner. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts to show care or respect. Dear Sarah, I hope this letter finds you well You have always been a dear friend to me
love	A term of endearment used to refer to someone you care deeply about, such as a partner, family member, or close friend. Often used to express deep affection or fondness. I love you, Mom Thank you for everything, love

Examples of usage

Goodnight, my sweet.
Come here, sweet, let me give you a hug.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'swete,' which means 'pleasant to the taste', shaping how we describe foods.
In the Germanic languages, similar words exist: 'süß' in German and 'suker' in Old Norse, showing shared roots in history.
It’s interesting that 'sweet' was not just used for taste; it once described scents that were fragrant and pleasing.

Culinary Arts

Sugar, which contributes to sweetness, has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient India as a form of currency.
Many fruits are naturally sweet because they contain fructose, a type of sugar, helping animals to identify which ones are ripe.
Desserts across different cultures celebrate sweetness, from French éclairs to Middle Eastern baklava, showcasing global tastes.

Psychology

Sweetness is often associated with comfort and reward; studies show it triggers the brain's pleasure centers, making us feel happy.
People tend to experience nostalgia linked to sweet foods from childhood, creating a sense of security and belonging.
Interestingly, those who enjoy sweet flavors may also be more tolerant of adverse conditions, suggesting a relationship between taste preferences and personality.

Botany

The sweetness in fruits signals ripeness, which is crucial for seed dispersal, helping plants propagate their species.
Natural sugars in plants can vary; for example, some vegetables are sweeter than others, depending on their type and growing conditions.
Honey, produced by bees, is considered nature's sweetest food, converting floral nectar into a concentrated sugary delight.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'sweet' is often used as slang, expressing satisfaction or approval, as in 'sweet ride' for a cool car.
In music, numerous songs celebrate the concept of sweetness, often relating it to love, happiness, or fond memories.
Movies often depict sweet moments, like first love or childhood friendships, highlighting the importance of happiness in storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "sweet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doce

🇮🇳 मीठा

🇩🇪 süß

🇮🇩 manis

🇺🇦 солодкий

🇵🇱 słodki

🇯🇵 甘い

🇫🇷 doux

sucré
charmant

🇪🇸 dulce

🇹🇷 tatlı

🇰🇷 달콤한

🇸🇦 حلو

🇨🇿 sladký

🇸🇰 sladký

🇨🇳 甜

🇸🇮 sladek

🇮🇸 sætur

🇰🇿 тәтті

🇬🇪 ტკბილი

🇦🇿 şirin

🇲🇽 dulce

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,359, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2356 repair
2357 taste
2358 separation
2359 sweet
2360 partial
2361 directions
2362 academic
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