English

melodious

gb/məlˈoʊdiəs/ us/məlˈoʊdiəs/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adjective C1 property
1

pleasantly musical in sound

pleasant to listen to, like music

Usage pattern: melodious [music/tune/song/sound]
Common mistake:
Do not use it for visual beauty; it describes sounds, not sights.
Synonyms
musical (more general; not always as 'sweet-sounding' as melodious.) | tuneful (emphasizes a clear tune or melody.) | sweet-sounding (focuses on pleasant sound rather than melody.)
Antonyms
harsh (unpleasantly rough or grating to hear.) | discordant (clashing sounds that do not harmonize.)
Collocations
melodious music |melodious tune |melodious song |melodious sounds |melodious notes |melodious strains |a melodious melody |melodious birdsong |melodious flute |melodious harmonies
Themes
music |sound |arts
Examples
  • The violin produced a warm, melodious sound that filled the hall.
  • We could hear melodious birdsong from the trees outside the window.
  • Her new album is full of melodious tunes and gentle harmonies.
Learner examples
  • The music is melodious.
  • I like melodious songs.
adjective C1 property
2

pleasant-sounding voice or speech

a voice that sounds nice and musical

Usage pattern: melodious [voice/speech/reading]
Common mistake:
In this sense it describes the sound of the voice, not the meaning of the words.
Synonyms
mellifluous (more formal; suggests a rich, flowing sound.) | pleasant (less specific; does not necessarily imply musical quality.)
Antonyms
grating (unpleasantly sharp or irritating to hear.) | shrill (too high and piercing in tone.)
Collocations
a melodious voice |melodious speech |melodious tones |melodious singing |a melodious accent |a melodious reading |melodious laughter |melodious recitation |melodious chanting |melodious phrasing
Themes
communication |people |sound
Examples
  • His melodious voice made the audiobook easy to listen to for hours.
  • She spoke in melodious tones that sounded calm and confident.
  • The teacher’s melodious reading kept the class attentive.
Learner examples
  • She has a melodious voice.
Grammar
Dictionary form
melodious
IPA
GB/məlˈoʊdiəs/
US/məlˈoʊdiəs/
Syllables & stress
me - lodi - ous (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lodi)
Word forms
Adjective
  • Base: melodious
Word family
Core family
melody noun B1 melodic adjective melodiously adverb C1
Related words
melodically adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unmelodious adjective
Advanced or less common
melodiousness noun
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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