Word of the Day

: November 12, 2009

douceur

noun doo-SER

What It Means

: a conciliatory gift

douceur in Context

While waiting for Mark’s decision on the company’s contract offer, the CEO sent him two tickets to a Broadway show as a douceur.

Did You Know?

In French, "douceur" means "pleasantness," and it is often used in phrases such as "douceur de vivre" ("the pleasure of life"). The word derives from the Latin adjective "dulcis," meaning "sweet." A douceur is a gift or payment -- sometimes, but not necessarily, considered a bribe -- provided by someone to enhance or "sweeten" a deal. In the United Kingdom, "douceur" specifically refers to a tax benefit given to someone who sells a historical artifact to a public collection. Other sweet treats that "dulcis" has given to our language include "dulcet" (having a "sweet" sound that is pleasing to the ear) and "dulcimer" (a kind of stringed instrument that provides "sweet" music).