dulcificate

Dulcificate is an English verb meaning to make something sweeter in taste, or more broadly to soften or make more agreeable or gentle in disposition, tone, or argument. The term is formal and rare in contemporary usage, appearing mainly in literary, historical, or rhetorical contexts as a synonym of dulcify, mollify, or pacify by sweetness.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin dulcis, meaning sweet, combined with the English suffix -ficate (from -facere, to make). Dulcificate thus reflects a modelled form related to dulcificare in Latin. It is a rare, largely archival form and is cognate with dulcify and dulcification.

Usage: Because it is obscure, dulcificate is typically found in older texts or scholarly discussion on rhetoric, diplomacy, or culinary description. In modern writing, speakers generally prefer dulcify, mollify, or soften. Example: The diplomat attempted to dulcificate the negotiations by adopting a conciliatory tone and avoiding harsh accusations. The term can signal a deliberately elevated or archaic register when used.

See also: dulcify, dulcification, dulcet.