mellifluous
muh-LIF-loo-us
/məˈlɪfluəs/
Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear (of a voice or sound).
Specifically describes sounds, voices, or words that flow with smooth, soothing, musical sweetness.
The story behind the word. Formed from Late Latin 'mel' (honey) and 'fluere' (to flow). To the Romans, speech that sounded like a stream of liquid golden honey pouring smoothly was 'mellifluus'.
Word relationships
- dulcet: Dulcet means sweet and soothing; mellifluous emphasizes a honeyed, flowing sound quality.
- euphonious: Euphonious refers broadly to pleasing acoustic sounds.
- cacophonous: Involving a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
- strident: Loud, harsh, and grating.
Commonly confused with
- melodious: Melodious means having a pleasing melody; mellifluous strictly evokes flowing like honey.
Word family
- mellifluously (adverb): In a sweet and smooth musical manner.
- mellifluousness (noun): Sweetness and smoothness of voice or tone.
Collocations
- mellifluous voice
- mellifluous tone
- mellifluous sound
- mellifluous prose
Example sentences
- "The documentary was narrated by an actor with a warm, mellifluous voice." Voiceover narration
- "The cellist produced mellifluous tones that captivated the audience." Musical critique
Memory hook
MELLIFLUOUS speech flows like MELTED honey in a FLUID stream. Honey flowing smoothly into the ear.
When not to use
Do not use to describe harsh, gravelly, aggressive, or sharp arguments.
Fun facts
- 'Mel' (honey) is also the root behind the medical term 'diabetes mellitus' (honey-sweet urine).
Related words
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