What Type of Word Is “Emollience”?
“Emollience” is a noun. It refers to the condition or quality of being emollient—having a softening or soothing effect, whether literal (on the skin) or figurative (in personality or expression).
Pronunciation
Emollience is pronounced as /ih-MOL-yuhns/ or /ih-MOL-ee-uhns/. It rhymes with words like resilience, brilliance, and ambience.
Factsheet: Emollience
Etymology
The word “emollience” originates from the Latin word emolliens, which means “to soften,” derived from mollis (soft). It entered the English lexicon in the late 18th century, evolving to describe both physical and metaphorical softness.
Meaning and Use
- Literal Sense: Refers to a softening or soothing property, especially in relation to skincare products like creams, oils, or balms.
- Example: “The emollience of aloe vera makes it a popular ingredient in moisturizers.”
- Figurative Sense: Indicates a soft or soothing quality in demeanor, communication, or atmosphere.
- Example: “Her emollience in conversations eased the tension in the room.”
Quotations
The word “emollience” has been used across centuries to denote both literal and figurative softness:
- 1797: “The…emollience of the national mind…will continue to destroy them [sc. Empires].”
— Reasons Against National Despondency - 1811: “Short indeed is the melancholy consolation of being suffered to indulge in the emollience of woe.”
— S. Fennell, Orig. Poems - 1844: “Rose, Almond, Camphor, and other Fancy Soaps, of the finest fragrance and emollience.”
— Freeman’s Journal (Dublin) - 1986: “She can appear soothing… But over the long haul, such emollience as she has in her personality is overshadowed by…aggression.”
— Guardian - 2022: “The emollience of cream blushes makes them good for dry skin or those looking for a dewy finish.”
— Good Housekeeping
Synonyms
- Softness
- Smoothness
- Gentleness
- Soothing quality
- Supple nature
Examples in Modern Use
- Skincare: “The cream is praised for its emollience, which helps hydrate even the driest of skin.”
- Personality: “His emollience in leadership made him beloved by his team.”
- Atmosphere: “The emollience of the candlelight gave the room a cozy and welcoming ambiance.”
Key Takeaways
“Emollience” is a versatile word that describes softness and soothing qualities, both physically and metaphorically. Its Latin roots highlight its connection to softness, and it remains relevant in contemporary discussions, especially in beauty, literature, and interpersonal contexts.
Use it to add a touch of elegance to your descriptions of gentleness or smoothness, whether you’re writing about skincare, personalities, or the ambiance of a space.
