Doce (sweet)

Doce, a word primarily used in Portuguese and Spanish, translates to "sweet" in English. Its usage encompasses various aspects related to sweetness, including taste, flavor, and even metaphorical connotations.

Origin and Etymology:

The word "doce" originates from the Latin word "dulcis," which also means "sweet." This Latin root is the common ancestor of similar words in other Romance languages, highlighting the shared linguistic heritage.

Usage:

• Taste and Flavor: Primarily, "doce" describes something that has a sweet taste, such as desserts, fruits, and candies.

• Figurative Usage: "Doce" can also be used metaphorically to describe something pleasant, agreeable, or charming. A "doce pessoa" (Portuguese) or "persona dulce" (Spanish) refers to a sweet or kind person. It can also describe experiences, memories, or moments that are delightful or cherished.

Grammatical Information:

• In Portuguese, "doce" is an adjective that is invariable in gender. It agrees in number with the noun it modifies. For example, "uma maçã doce" (a sweet apple) and "duas maçãs doces" (two sweet apples).

• In Spanish, "dulce" is the adjective, and follows similar grammatical rules. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, "una manzana dulce" (a sweet apple) and "dos manzanas dulces" (two sweet apples).

Related Terms:

• Portuguese: Adoçar (to sweeten), Doçura (sweetness), Doceria (sweet shop).

• Spanish: Endulzar (to sweeten), Dulzura (sweetness), Dulcería (sweet shop).