WordGarden.iomellifluous
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mɛlˈɪfluːəs/
US
- /məˈlɪflu.əs/adjective
Meanings
Adjective
pleasantly smooth and musical to hear, especially of a voice or language
Beyond the definition
If a voice, piece of music, or even writing sounds like liquid honey, smooth, rich, and pleasing to the ear, it's mellifluous. Think of a skilled singer with a warm tone, or a poet writing lines that glide off the tongue. The word comes from Latin roots meaning "honey-flowing." You would not use it for a harsh alarm clock, but you might use it for the sound of a flute.
The word mellifluous describes a sound that is sweet, smooth, and pleasant to hear. It evokes images of honey and silk, something rich, graceful, and effortless. While it is often used for voices (a mellifluous soprano), it can also describe other pleasing sounds, like the gentle murmur of a stream, the delicate tones of a harp, or even beautifully crafted prose.
The origin of mellifluous lies in the Latin words mel, meaning honey, and fluere, meaning to flow. So literally, it means "honey-flowing." This etymology helps understand why the word isn't just about pleasantness; it implies a certain fluidity and ease.
You might encounter mellifluous in descriptions of music ("The orchestra produced a mellifluous sound that filled the concert hall"), literature ("Her writing was known for its mellifluous rhythm"), or even public speaking ("The politician's mellifluous voice captivated the audience"). It's a word used to elevate and celebrate sounds that are truly enchanting.
While not an everyday term, using mellifluous adds a touch of poetic flair to your descriptions, painting a vivid picture of auditory beauty.
Examples
- 1
Radio voice
The radio host had a mellifluous voice that made the long interview easy to follow.
- Usage
mellifluous is more common in formal or literary English than in everyday conversation
- 2
Hospitality
She welcomed the guests in mellifluous tones.
- 3
Singing
The singer’s mellifluous phrases floated above the piano.
- 4
Prose style
Critics praised the novel’s mellifluous prose, though some readers found the story slow.
- Phrasemellifluous prose
writing with a smooth, musical style
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mellifluousadjective
Forms
- mellifluousercomparativeadjective
- mellifluousestsuperlativeadjective