melodious
/məˈləʊdiəs/ (bre, ipa) · /məˈləʊdiəs/ (ame, ipa) · /mə-ˈlō-dē-əs/ (ame, mw)
melodious — adjective
- melodiouspositive
- more melodiouscomparative
- most melodioussuperlative
1. describing a sound that feels smooth, tuneful, and pleasant, like a piece of mus
describing a sound that feels smooth, tuneful, and pleasant, like a piece of music — used especially of voices, instruments, or sounds in nature such as birdsong or flowing water.
Mei-Lin's voice was so melodious that the children stopped playing to listen.
so + [adj] + that-clause showing result
The melodious notes of the old piano drifted through the open window.
attributive use: melodious + noun
Kwesi heard a melodious sound coming from behind the garden wall.
Ananya finds the sound of rain on the roof surprisingly melodious.
Samira listened to the melodious laughter of children playing in the yard.
- tuneful
Very close in meaning, but 'tuneful' specifically implies that the sound follows a clear, catchy tune. 'Melodious' is broader and can apply to non-musical sounds like a voice or water.
- sweet
More informal; focuses on gentleness and a soothing quality. A 'sweet voice' suggests kindness or warmth; a 'melodious voice' suggests musical beauty.
- harmonious
More formal and technical; implies that different notes or sounds blend together well. 'Melodious' describes a single sound; 'harmonious' often describes a combination.
- lyrical
A more figurative or poetic choice. 'Lyrical' can describe expressive beauty in language or movement, not only actual sound.
- discordant
Describes sounds that clash and feel unpleasant together.
- harsh
Describes a sound that is rough, sharp, or painful to hear.
- grating
Describes a sound that irritates, like scratching or scraping.
文法句型
melodious + noun
be + melodious
用法筆記
Do not confuse with 'melodic'. 'Melodic' describes anything relating to the melody of a piece of music as a neutral structural feature; 'melodious' adds a judgement that the sound is pleasing. A badly played tune is still 'melodic' (it has a melody) but is not 'melodious'.