euphony

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   A smooth, pleasing quality in sounds, especially in the words of a poem, a speech or a piece of music.

   Grammar: Usually has no plural: the euphony of her voice.

   Patterns

   • the euphony of something
   • a sense of euphony

   The poet chose each word for its euphony, so the lines almost sing when read aloud.

   Many listeners praise the euphony of Italian, with its open vowels and gentle rhythm.

   The choir's voices blended in perfect euphony.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   In linguistics, the tendency of speakers to change sounds so that a word or phrase is easier and nicer to say.

   Grammar: Used as a technical term, often with the idea of ease of pronunciation.

   Patterns

   • for the sake of euphony

   English uses 'an' before a vowel sound for the sake of euphony.

   Some sound changes in the history of a language are explained by euphony rather than meaning.

   The extra letter was added purely for euphony.

Common combinations

the euphony of language

Children often delight in the euphony of language long before they understand the words.

for the sake of euphony

The writer shortened the name for the sake of euphony.

pure euphony

The final chord resolved into pure euphony.

sacrifice meaning for euphony

A weaker poet might sacrifice meaning for euphony.

euphony and rhythm

Her prose depends on euphony and rhythm as much as on plot.

Synonyms and how they differ

melodiousness

Melodiousness stresses a tune-like, singing quality, while euphony is broader and can describe a smooth flow of spoken words.

harmony

Harmony usually means notes sounding well together in music, whereas euphony can describe any pleasant sound, including speech.

sweetness

Sweetness is a general and softer word for a pleasing sound, but it does not suggest the careful choice of sounds that euphony does.

Opposites

Word family

euphonious adjective

pleasant to the ear

euphonic adjective

relating to euphony, especially in sound changes

euphoniously adverb

in a pleasant-sounding way

euphonium noun

a brass instrument with a warm tone, from the same Greek root

Commonly confused: euphony or euphoria? euphony or euphemism?

Practice

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