English Lexicon

Sweeten

/ˈswiːt.ən/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #5420 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To add sugar, honey, or another sweet substance to food or drink to improve its flavor.

    "She likes to sweeten her herbal tea with a spoonful of raw honey."
  2. 2

    To make an offer, deal, or situation more attractive, pleasant, or acceptable.

    "The company decided to sweeten the compensation package with an extra week of paid leave."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old English adjective 'swēte', combined with the verbal suffix '-en' denoting the conversion into a specified state. Historically evolving through Middle English, it retains its primary Germanic roots connected to pleasure and agreeable taste.

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