honeyed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhʌniːd/
KK: /ˈhʌniːd/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is sweet like honey, either in taste or in a flattering way of speaking.
Example
She spoke in honeyed tones that made everyone feel at ease.
Conversation
Have you tried that new tea place downtown?
Not yet, but I heard they have honeyed drinks that are amazing.
I can't wait to go; I love anything sweetened with honey.
Same here! A honeyed tea sounds perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sweet
syrupy
dulcet
Antonyms
bitter
harsh
acerbic
verb
Definition
To sweeten or make something more pleasant, often used in a figurative sense to describe speech or writing that is charming or flattering.
Example
She honeyed her words to make the criticism sound less harsh.
Tense Forms
Past: honeyed
Past Participle: honeyed
Conversation
Did you see the way she honeyed her words during the speech?
Yeah, it really captivated the audience!
I think that style makes her message even more powerful.
Root Explanation
Honeyed → It is formed from "honey" (from Old English *hunig*, meaning the sweet substance produced by bees) and "-ed" (a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a state or quality). The word "honeyed" describes something that has the quality or sweetness of honey.
Memory Tip
Think of the sweet substance produced by bees ('honey') and remember that 'honeyed' means something that has the quality of being sweet like honey.
Visually Confused Words
unhoneyed
moneyed