confection

Definitions

con- (together) + fect (the weakened fac, 'make') + -ion = 'a thing made by putting parts together.' Originally any compound preparation; it narrowed to sweets — things confected from sugar.

Why It Means This

The root sense 'put together' still shows in the figurative use: a frilly dress or a flimsy excuse can be called a confection — something assembled to look sweet and pretty rather than substantial.

Common Collocations

• 1.sugary confection甜腻的甜点
• 2.elaborate confection精心制作的甜品

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The bakery window was full of glistening confections.

• 2.

  The film is a frothy confection with no real plot.