Mellifluous Meaning, Pronunciation and Sentence Examples

Mellifluous (adjective). Mellifluous describes a sound or voice that flows smoothly and is pleasant to hear.

Example: The narrator read the opening paragraph in a mellifluous voice.

Pronunciation guide: muh-LIF-loo-uhs. Capital letters show the stressed syllable.

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What does mellifluous describe?

The adjective usually describes how something sounds: a voice, musical phrase, melody or way of speaking. It is a descriptive, fairly formal word that fits reviews and creative writing.

A mellifluous voice may be low or high. The point is its smooth, pleasing quality, not a particular pitch. Nor does a pleasant voice prove that the speaker’s message is correct or trustworthy.

In everyday conversation, “a smooth, pleasant voice” may communicate the idea more directly. Use the longer word when its precise sound impression helps your reader.

Mellifluous in a sentence

• Her mellifluous reading made the poem enjoyable to listen to.
• The singer’s mellifluous tone contrasted with the rough percussion.
• He chose a narrator whose mellifluous delivery suited the quiet story.
• A mellifluous flute melody drifted through the open doorway.
• The speech sounded mellifluous, although its argument was difficult to follow.

The last example separates sound from meaning. You can admire the sound while questioning what is being said.

Mellifluously and mellifluousness

Mellifluously is the adverb. It describes the manner of an action: “She spoke mellifluously, letting each phrase flow into the next.” Use it with a verb such as speak, sing or read.

Mellifluousness is the noun for the quality: “The mellifluousness of the narration suited the gentle story.” The noun is less compact than “smoothness of sound,” so use it when it fits the style.

Compare the three patterns: a mellifluous voice; she sings mellifluously; the mellifluousness of her singing. Keep the double l when spelling the word.

Pronunciation, word origin and similar words

Say the word in four parts: muh-LIF-loo-uhs. Stress the second part. Read “a mellifluous melody” slowly, then use the phrase in a complete sentence.

The word comes from Latin elements associated with honey and flowing. That image offers a memory cue for smooth sound; in ordinary modern use, you are describing what you hear rather than actual honey.

Melodious emphasises a pleasing musical sound. Euphonious also means pleasant-sounding. Harsh or grating can provide a contrast. A loud sound is not automatically the opposite of mellifluous: volume and pleasantness are different features.

Practise mellifluous: three quick questions

Try each question before opening its answer. If a question asks you to write a sentence, your own correct example is welcome.

Question 1

Which noun is the most natural partner here: “a mellifluous ___”? Voice, timetable or staircase?

Question 2

Complete: “The actor read ___.” Choose mellifluous or mellifluously.

Question 3

Does a mellifluous speech necessarily contain a convincing argument?

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Compare these words next: Garrulous meaning and practice and Elated meaning and practice.

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Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Mellifluous. The examples and practice questions on this page are written for English Skill Studio.