dulcify

American  

[duhl-suh-fahy] / ˈdʌl səˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

dulcified, dulcifying

1. to make more agreeable; mollify; appease.

2. to sweeten.

---

dulcify British  

/ ˈdʌlsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. rare to make pleasant or agreeable

2. a rare word for sweeten

---

Other Word Forms

• dulcification
  noun

Etymology

Origin of dulcify

1590–1600; < Late Latin dulcificāre, with -fy for -ficāre

Explanation

To make good lemonade, you can't just mix lemon juice and water; you have to dulcify it with the perfect amount of sugar to balance the bitterness and make it sweeter. The word dulcify comes from the Latin word dulcis, meaning "sweet." When you dulcify something, you make it sweeter or more pleasant. While sugar can dulcify a tart glass of lemonade, kind words can dulcify a tense conversation, turning frustration into friendliness. For example, a coach's encouragement can dulcify the sting of a losing game, helping the players feel more positive. Similarly, a gentle lullaby can dulcify a cranky baby. It's a sophisticated way to describe softening or sweetening something.