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nounnounadjective

le moelleux

soft

Qui est très doux au toucher ou au goût, souvent souple et agréable.

Definition & meaning

The word moelleux is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is soft, spongy, or yielding to the touch. It implies a pleasant, comfortable texture, such as a cushion, a cake, or a thick carpet.

  • Physical texture: Soft, plush, or fluffy. For instance, a "gâteau moelleux" is a moist and soft cake.
  • Abstract/Sensory quality: It can also describe something that is mellow, gentle, or pleasing to the senses, such as a soft light, a mellow sound, or a smooth wine.
  • Noun usage: As a masculine noun, "le moelleux" refers to the quality of softness or fluffiness itself (e.g., "le moelleux d'un coussin").

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is an adjective that agrees in gender and number. The feminine form is moelleuse .
  • Origin: The word originates from the Old French moele, which comes from the Latin medulla, meaning "marrow" or the "innermost part." This reflects the idea of something being as soft or yielding as marrow.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Moelle (in the context of softness)
  • Souple
  • Doux
  • Moelleuse (feminine form)
  • Ouateux

Antonyms:

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Examples

Ce gâteau est très moelleux.adjective

This cake is very soft.

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