WordGarden.iosweet
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /swˈiːt/
US
- /ˈswit/
Meanings
Adjective
having a sugary taste
pleasant, charming, or attractive in an endearing way
kind, gentle, and thoughtful toward other people
More meaningsFewer meanings
excellent, cool, or very satisfying
Interjection
used to express pleased approval, excitement, or agreement
Beyond the definition
"Sweet" most often describes something that tastes like sugar—a sweet apple or a sugary treat. But it is much more than just a flavor. We also use "sweet" to describe people who are kind and thoughtful, like a sweet grandmother or a sweet gesture of friendship. A "sweet talker" is someone charming and persuasive, though perhaps even a little manipulative.
Think about honey: it is literally sweet to the taste, but we also say someone has a "sweet disposition," meaning they are pleasant and gentle. The word can even describe something generally pleasing: "That was a sweet moment." Whether it is on your tongue or in your heart, "sweet" generally denotes something enjoyable and positive.
The word "sweet" is surprisingly versatile. Its most common meaning relates to taste, describing something containing sugar or having a sugary flavor, such as sweet tea, sweet potatoes, or a decadent dessert. This sense evolved from the Old English word swete, which originally referred to pleasantness in a general sense.
However, "sweet" extends far beyond the palate. It is frequently used to describe people who are kind, considerate, and gentle. A "sweet child" is often well-behaved and endearing, while someone with a "sweet personality" is naturally warm and friendly.
Figuratively, "sweet" expresses affection, satisfaction, or delight. "That was a sweet thing to do!" conveys appreciation for a kind act, while a "sweetheart" is a common term of endearment. In modern slang, a "sweet deal" refers to an especially favorable arrangement. Be careful, though! Sometimes "sweet talk" implies flattery used to manipulate someone.
Historically, "sweet" also described a pleasing aroma or a melodic sound. While less common in modern conversation, this highlights the word's broad association with anything agreeable to the senses. Whether you are savoring a treat, admiring a gentle disposition, or remembering a precious moment, "sweet" encompasses pleasure, kindness, and all things delightful.
Examples
- 1
Fruit
These strawberries are sweet enough to eat on their own.
- 2
Coffee
She likes her coffee sweet, with plenty of milk and sugar.
- 3
Scent
The room smelled sweet from the flowers on the table.
- 4
Voice
He spoke in a soft, sweet voice.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Kind gesture
That was really sweet of you to help my grandmother carry her bags.
- Patternsweet of + person to do X
kind and thoughtful
- 6
Personality
Everyone loves Mia because she is patient, funny, and genuinely sweet.
- 7
Dessert habits
I have a sweet tooth, so I always want dessert after dinner.
- Phrasea sweet tooth
a strong liking for sweet foods
- 8
Romantic gesture
You remembered our anniversary? That's so sweet.
- 9
Housing
They found a sweet little house near the beach.
- 10
Good deal
We got a sweet deal on the tickets because we booked early.
- Phrasea sweet deal
a very good deal
- 11
Informal approval
“Sweet, we still have time for coffee before the train leaves.”
- Usage
sweet can be an informal way to show pleasure or approval
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sweetnounadjectiveadverb
Forms
- sweetspluralnounadjectiveadverb
- sweetestsuperlativeadjectivenounadverb
- sweetercomparativeadjectivenounadverb