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douceur

softness, sweetness, gentleness

noun doo-SUR Less Common

Usage Note

Douceur is an abstract noun covering physical softness (silk, a breeze), sweet taste, and gentle temperament — the three senses overlap poetically. En douceur ('gently, smoothly') is a very common adverbial phrase, e.g. atterrir en douceur ('to land smoothly'). The plural des douceurs can mean 'sweet treats' or 'gentle pleasures'.

Examples

"Elle lui parla avec une grande douceur."

Natural Translation

She spoke to him with great gentleness.

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