Word for pleasing sounds

It seems that no word we know of is quite right, so perhaps a word should be crafted from the parts we have lying around in this thread! Specifically, I think «mellifluous» and «euphony» offer promise, even though (as the OP points out) they both are associated with an act of pleasant hearing rather than the pleasant somatic feedback from the mechanical act of speaking.

This, it seems to me, is easily fixed by drawing on another beautiful word derived from Latin, «loquacious.» Though this is most commonly taken to mean «talkative,» the root in Latin (loqui) simply means «to speak.»

Thus, I submit for consideration either of the two following constructions:

Melloquious — Mel+loqui — (like) honey to say

Euloquious — Eu+loqui — good to say

If a loan word from another language can be found, that might be a better alternative, but if there is no fitting and compelling word to be found, then perhaps it is up to us!

‘PLEASANT-SOUNDING’ is a 16 letter
Word
starting with P and ending with G

Would you like this sound words list as a free PDF poster with pictures? Click here to get it.

We hear different sounds all the time. But how do we actually say them as words?

There are many different words for sounds. Let’s look at 42 sound words in English (plus some useful idioms with sound words).

---

Remember English Prepositions Forever!

Download free!

---

1. Sounds of things hitting things

Thud

The sound of something heavy falling and hitting the ground.

I don’t know why she’s dropping a brick from a high chair.

But it does make a fun sound.

Whack

The sound of a short, heavy hit.

This can also be used as a verb:

“She whacked him in the head with the pillow.”

Slap

The sound of someone hitting something (or someone) with an open hand.

You’ll hear this word a lot in idioms:

A slap in the face is used when someone has done something bad to you (given you something you don’t want or not given you something that you do want, for example), usually unfairly.

“I did all of the work for the project and then Sam gets the promotion — not fair. What a slap in the face!”

A slap on the wrist is when someone gets punished — but very, very lightly. Much less than they deserve:

“You heard about Hexon Oil? They polluted every lake in the country and only got a $2000 fine. It was barely a slap on the wrist, really.”

A slap-up meal is basically a massive meal — the kind of meal you have when you really don’t want to think about your weight or your health. Just enjoy it!

“I’ve sold the house! I’m taking you all out for a slap-up meal at Mrs Miggins’ pie shop!”

A slapdash job or slapdash work is work done really badly. I remember waiting in a cafe at Sofia airport, and these Austrian guys found it quite funny that there was just one plug socket in the whole cafe. And it was halfway up the wall. The designer definitely did a slapdash job:

“Don’t get that builder. He did such a slapdash job on our house that the roof fell in.”

Knock

OK, so “knock” is the sound that you make when you arrive at your friend’s house and hit their door with your hand.

There’s also the phrase “don’t knock it.”

It basically means “don’t criticise it.”

“Banana and crisp sandwiches are actually really good! Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!”

Rattle

Stay away! It’s a rattlesnake. And it’s rattling its tail.

As a verb, “rattle” can also mean “disturb.”

Think about classic action heroes.

They can fall out of planes, jump off the edges of mountains, survive car crashes, helicopter crashes and bike crashes; they can be forced to swim underwater for five minutes and then run 200 metres over burning coals.

And after that, they’re just fine, right?

That’s because nothing rattles them. Nothing!

Splat

The sound of something wet hitting something else.

Like when you throw eggs or rotten tomatoes at the visiting politician.

Or a water balloon at your friend.

Clunk

This is one of those words that sounds like it sounds, if you know what I mean.

It’s a heavy, dull sound.

Clang

A noisy, metallic sound.

Clink

This is like clang’s baby brother.

It’s a small, sharp sound — usually made when metal or glass touches something.

Patter

A light tapping sound.

We usually use it to describe rain:

“I love sleeping through storms, don’t you! The patter of rain on the roof and knowing you’re safe and sound in bed.”

When I was a kid (and for too long afterwards — she still does this when I visit) my mother would greet me when I came downstairs in the morning with:

“You’re awake! I thought I heard the patter of tiny feet!”
“Mum — I’m 37 years old.”

Clatter

Clang is noisy and unpleasant, right?

Now imagine lots of clangs. That’s clatter.

Smash

The sound of something breaking into a million pieces. Usually violently.

“Smashing” can also mean “excellent”:

“She did such a smashing job that we hired her full time.”

Slam

We usually use this to describe closing a door very loudly.

But we can use it for other similar situations.

You can slam the phone down (if you’re using a non-mobile phone, like the retro kid you are).

You can also slam a glass on the table. (Think tequila shots.)

If someone slams the door in your face, they basically decide not to help you or give you information that you need.

“I called the helpline about it, but they refused to help. Completely slammed the door in my face.”

You can also just “slam” something. It means “give a very, very negative review.”

“The New York Times completely slammed his new book. But I thought it was pretty good.”

2. Mechanical sounds

Honk

When I lived in Istanbul, I would play a game.

I would try to count to five without hearing a single car honk its horn.

I never got past three seconds.

Also — it was a terrible game. But I was bored.

Whir

A continuous sound — usually quiet, often calming.

Tick

We almost always think of clocks and watches when we hear the word “tick.”

It’s that tiny, short sound.

So it wouldn’t surprise you to hear that we can use the phrase “time is ticking” to mean “hurry up!”

“Let’s get started! Time’s ticking.”

If you’re a bit angry (not furious — just a bit), then you can say that you’re “ticked off.”

“To be honest, I’m a bit ticked off. I didn’t expect you to tell everyone about what I told you. It was private.”

“In a tick” can also mean “in a minute,” “in a second,” “in a moment” or just “soon.”

“Take a seat. I’ll be with you in a tick.”

Click

A small, sharp sound.

Think about a light switch.

Or this annoying guy and his annoying pen.

When you click with someone, you immediately get on well. You start talking and it feels as if you’ve always been friends.

“I’ve been friends with Gudrun for 20 years. We clicked as soon as we met.”

Bang

A loud noise! Usually sudden.

This is most closely associated with guns. But the building site next to my house also produces a lot of bangs.

If you go out with a bang, you finish or leave something in a super-dramatic way.

“Wow! His last day of work and he throws coffee in the boss’s face! Talk about going out with a bang!”

When someone bangs on about something, they talk for ages about it while successfully boring the life out of whoever has the bad luck to listen to them.

“If you could just stop banging on about your new computer for a minute, I’d like to talk to you about what happened last weekend.”

Buzz

The sound of something vibrating.

When we talk about the buzz of a place, we’re talking about that special energy it has.

Some cities (like Vienna) have a real buzz, while some cities (like Swindon) don’t.

“What I miss about Istanbul most is the buzz. And the food. But mostly the buzz.”

You can also buzz someone in when you’re at home, and someone wants to get into the building. It saves you from having to walk all the way downstairs to let them in.

“Hey! I’m outside your flat now. Can you buzz me in?”

Finally, you can give someone a buzz. It just means “give them a quick call.”

“Let’s have that drink on Friday. Just give me a buzz, and I’ll let you know where I am.”

3. Electronic sounds

Ping

This is the sound of a very small bell.

Think of a typewriter or a hotel reception desk.

Blip

A ping will last for a long time (piiiinnnggggg). But a blip is very, very short.

Think of a radar in those films with too many submarines in.

Beep

A blip sounds quite nice, but a beep can get very annoying very quickly.

I don’t know how people working as supermarket cashiers don’t go crazy. Do they still hear the beeps when they go to sleep at night?

4. Organic sounds

Snap

A sudden breaking sound — think of the sound of wood breaking.

I guess because it’s quite an unpredictable sound, we can also use “snap” as a verb to mean “suddenly get angry.” When you snap, it’s probably a result of lots of things building up.

“It was when her kid put his school tie in the toaster that she finally snapped.”

It also has a second meaning.

Have you ever tried to talk to someone, and instead of saying “Hi!” or “Good to see you!” or “Nice hair,” they just angrily shout at you — completely unpredictable and sudden?

Then they snapped at you.

“I wouldn’t talk to him right now, if I were you. I just asked him if he was OK, and he snapped at me.”

You can also just say “snap” when someone else has something that you have. It could be a plan, an interest, or something physical, like a T-shirt.

“No way! Snap! I’ve got the exact same phone.”

Finally, there’s a snap election.

It’s a general election that the prime minister or president suddenly announces — usually because they think they’ll win. All of a sudden, we’re voting. Again!

“She said she wouldn’t call a snap election. Then she did.”

Crack

It’s like a loud snap.

If you want to celebrate, you can do so in style — by cracking open a bottle of champagne:

“You got the job?! Awesome — let’s crack open a bottle, yeah?”

If you drink too much of it, you might find EVERYTHING funny and just crack up all the time. It means suddenly start laughing. A lot. Until your face hurts.

“I told him my idea, and he just cracked up. I didn’t think it was that funny.”

Crackle

Lots of small cracks.

Fire and fireworks crackle. And not much else.

Pop

A tiny, little, mini explosion sound.

Because it’s such a short sound, we use it in phrasal verbs to describe something quick.

You can pop out (go outside — but only for a bit):

“I’m just popping out for some fresh air. See you in a few minutes.”

Or you can pop in somewhere (visit — but only for a bit):

“When you’re in town, why not pop in for a coffee?”

Sizzle

The sound of food cooking.

Rustle

There are basically only two things that rustle.

Leaves (especially dry, autumn leaves) and paper.

To rustle something up means to make a quick meal — like a sandwich or some toast.

“You haven’t eaten? Give me two minutes — I’ll rustle something up.”

Rumble

A continuous, deep sound.

Think of thunder.

Or your stomach when you’re really hungry.

5. Water sounds

Fizz

That nice sound of bubbles popping. Think about sparkling water or champagne.

Squelch

You just need to say this word to understand what it means.

Go on, say it. Feels good, doesn’t it?

It’s basically the sound of walking in mud.

Gurgle

This is the sound of bubbles being created.

Imagine lying down in the green grass next to a beautiful stream.

What can you hear?

The gurgle of the stream of course.

And the lion. Look out for the lion.

Glug

If gurgle is a series of sounds, then glug is a single one of those sounds.

Think of how you sound when you’re drinking water quickly.

Drip

“Drip” looks like “drop,” right?

Well, “drip” is the sound that a drop makes when it hits something.

Splash

The sound of something hitting water (or any liquid).

Think of the sound of kids in the bath.

Or the sound at the end of a water slide.

If you feel like spending a little more money than you should, then you splash out.

“Yeah, it’s a bit pricey. But it’s my birthday. I’m gonna splash out.”

Trickle

This is the sound of liquid flowing very slowly.

Squeal

Don’t step on the rat’s tail. He’ll squeal really loudly.

Also, it’s not nice. Leave the rat alone, you monster.

Squeak

A squeak is a small, high-pitched sound.

Think of the sound of a mouse.

Or an old bed.

Or a door that needs oil.

I once had a pair of shoes that squeaked a lot.

You can also use the phrase “a squeak out of someone” to describe any sound coming out of their mouth at all. It’s usually used in the negative.

“Right. He’s coming. I don’t want to hear a squeak out of either of you until he’s gone. I’ll do the talking.”

Hiss

OK. Repeat after me:

“Ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.”

Good — you’ve just made a hiss.

Swish

This is another word that sounds like it sounds. (These words are called onomatopoeia, by the way.)

It’s a bit like a mixture between a hiss and a rustle.

Creak

When you open that old, heavy wooden door.

Or decide to take your kids to a playground that was built in the ‘50s.

Then expect to hear a lot of loud, high-pitched sounds of wood and metal rubbing together.

A lot of creaks.

Scrape

The sound of something hard or sharp rubbing against something else.

We use this a lot as a verb.

You might have to scrape ice off your car on winter mornings.

Or scrape the pancake off the pan after you’ve burned it.

Or scrape chewing gum off the table. Seriously, why do people do that?

There’s also the idiom “to scrape the bottom of the barrel.”

We use it when we’ve almost completely run out of options, and all we have are the worst choices.

“Is this the best we can do? We’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel here. I mean some of them don’t even have faces.”

---

Congratulations! You now know 42 sound words in English (plus some new idioms).

So let’s practice:

1. Have you splashed out on something recently (like a slap-up meal or clothes)?
2. What ticks you off the most?
3. Can you remember cracking up over something that wasn’t funny? What was it?

Answer in the comments!

Did you like this post? Then be awesome and share by clicking the blue button below.

While languages like Portuguese and French are known for their romantic words and aesthetically pleasing phrases, there’s a lot to say about the beauty of the English language. After all, English has brought us stunning, showstopper words such as incandescent and euphoria, mellifluous and demure. So if you’re feeling inclined to increase your vocabulary while making it as easy on the ears as possible, then you’re in for a serendipitous treat. For 60 of the most beautiful words in the English language, which are guaranteed to make you absolutely ebullient, read on. And for more words to share with your friends, check out The 30 Funniest Words in the English Language—And How to Use Them.

1. Labyrinth

Do you ever find yourself working on a tedious task with many twists and turns? If you’re stuck doing something that’s extremely complex, you can call it a labyrinth. Additionally, any maze or place with «intricate passageways» can be described by this word.

2. Ineffable

Sometimes, almost every word fails. When that happens, you can turn to the word «ineffable,» which means «unspeakable» or «indescribable.» For example, if your feelings about someone are almost impossible to accurately pin down, you can say they’re ineffable.

3. Incendiary

Meaning extremely hot or inflammatory, anything that causes a fire is incendiary. However, when used in contexts that aren’t related to fire, this word can also describe someone who likes to start quarrels.

4. Ephemeral

Things that don’t last forever are ephemeral. From conversations to arguments, some things just tend to be short-lived, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

5. Cynosure

Back in the 17th century, the word cynosure was used to describe the northern constellation, Ursa Minor. And while this is still the case now, Merriam-Webster additionally notes that anyone who is the «center of attention» or «serves to guide» is cynosure.

6. Propinquity

Similar to the term proximity, the word «propinquity» is another way to talk about someone who lives near you. Aside from your next-door neighbors and roommates, it can also refer to «nearness of relation,» in terms of kinship.

7. Infatuation

Do you have a really strong desire to be near or know more about someone, you may have an infatuation. You can also use the term to describe your non-human obsession of the moment, whether it’s a TV show or your new puppy.

8. Incandescent

While the word «incandescent» is one way to talk about the electric lamps in your living room, it can also be used in reference to the brightness or someone’s intellect or personality.

9. Eudaemonia

Originated from the Greek word «eudaimon,» the word «eudaemonia» means the state of being lucky or happy. If you’re in a state of general well-being or feeling great joy, this is one way to express it.

10. Raconteur

Are you good at telling a story? Then you can start telling your friends that you’re a raconteur. Even if you’re not the best storyteller, it’s still a fun word to say.

11. Petrichor

The Greek words for «stone» and the «ethereal blood of the gods» combine to give us a perfectly beautiful term for the way the earth smells after it rains. Scientists have spent decades trying to determine exactly why that smell is so pleasing; in fact, two are credited for coining «petrichor» in a 1964 Nature article.

12. Sumptuous

Meaning «extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent,» the word «sumptuous» can be used to describe anything from a five-star vacation to your favorite fluffy blanket.

13. Angst

If you’ve woken up with a prevailing sense of anxiety about how the day will go, you could say you’re experiencing some angst. It’s not a pleasant feeling, but the word for it, which dates back to the eighth century, does have a certain soothing sound.

14. Aesthete

An aesthete, according to Merriam-Webster, is «one having or affecting sensitivity to the beautiful especially in art.» You might be one if you’re frequently moved by sculptures and paintings…or if you pretend to be for the sake of other people. Either way, the word is a joy to say.

15. Nadir

An astronomical term that’s been co-opted for colloquial usage, nadir means the lowest point, as in the «nadir of her popularity.» Its opposite term, zenith, has a similar appeal.

16. Miraculous

That which seemed impossible or at least incredibly unlikely without the influence of some supernatural force can be described as «miraculous.» Maybe that’s the birth of a child or being able to carry on a morning conversation before a cup of coffee.

17. Lassitude

Suffering from a lack of energy? Describe your tiredness—whether it’s in your body, your mind, or both—with this term, and at least it will sound prettier.

18. Gossamer

One of several definitions of this word, per Dictionary.com, is «a fine, filmy cobweb seen on grass or bushes or floating in the air in calm weather, especially in autumn.» It’s thought to have come from the Middle English term gosesummer, «possibly first used as name for late, mild autumn, a time when goose was a favorite dish.» But it can also be used to refer to anything thin and airy, from a summer shawl to the wings of a butterfly.

19. Bungalow

Bungalow is a cozy word for a specific type of house: usually one that’s either a single story or two stories with a sloping roof. Though there may be additional criteria depending on where in the world you’re using the term.

20. Scintilla

Not to be confused with those furry crepuscular rodents, scintilla means a spark or a trace of something. Perhaps you feel a scintilla of guilt after eating the last cookie, or experience a scintilla of attraction to someone you just met.

21. Aurora

Originally the name of the Roman goddess of sunrise, the word aurora is now used to describe the dawn, as well as the stunning luminous phenomenon that takes place in the upper atmosphere of a planet’s magnetic polar regions. For example, you may have a trip to see the Aurora Borealis as an item on your bucket list.

22. Inure

Not all beautiful words have beautiful meanings. The word inure means to accept or grow accustomed to something undesirable. For example, your family’s constant criticism could inure you to toxic behavior from loved ones.

23. Mellifluous

This lyrical word refers to something that is sweet and enjoyable, especially when it comes to sound. You might find the early spring sounds of chirping birds to be quite mellifluous.

24. Euphoria

Derived from the Greek word for healthy, the word euphoria is now used to describe an intense feeling of happiness or elation. A sense of euphoria may be the result of a fortunate turn of events or an indescribable personal high.

25. Serendipity

You’ve probably experienced this phenomenon more than you realize—remember that time you went on a coffee run and stumbled upon the best chocolate cake your city has to offer? Or when you were cleaning your home and found those earrings you thought were gone years ago? Those happy coincidences are all cases of serendipity.

26. Cherish

The word cherish means to hold dear or cultivate with care and affection. Whether that’s your family, your home, or your most prized possession (or all three!), everyone has someone or something that they cherish.

27. Demure

One of our favorite beautiful words, demure is used to describe any modest and reserved behavior. Etymologists believe it may have been derived from the Anglo-French verb demorer or demourer, which means «to linger.»

28. Elixir

If you’re well-versed in the world of Harry Potter, you probably associate this word with the elixir of life derived from the Sorcerer’s Stone. In the 17th century, alchemists believed it was possible to create an elixir that would turn base metals to stone and allow people to live forever. Today, the word is used to identify a substance that’s capable of changing base metals into gold. You might also use it to describe that cocktail you just whipped up at your home bar.

29. Eternity

Forever; always; a limitless time. These are just some ways to describe the endless and sometimes frightening idea of eternity.

30. Felicity

This one’s just another word for a state of happiness. For example, you might find yourself in a state of felicity the next time you’re surrounded by people you love.

31. Languor

Another beautiful word with a not-so-beautiful definition, languor refers to lethargy or weakness in body and mind. You might experience this phenomenon when you’ve been working too many hours and are starting to hit burnout. All that means is it’s time to use that PTO!

32. Love

There’s way more than one definition for this feeling, action, phenomenon (etc, etc). But we can all agree that the word love is as beautiful as everything it describes.

33. Solitude

If you’re an extrovert, then solitude may not be ideal. But if you’re an introvert, you’ll probably enjoy and seek out solitude, or the act of being alone and away from society.

34. Epiphany

While there are several meanings of this word, most people associate an epiphany with a life-changing realization. You’ll find examples of these in your favorite books and movies, such as the classic scene in Clueless when Cher realizes she’s «majorly, totally, butt-crazy in love» with her stepbrother Josh.

35. Quintessential

Have you ever met someone who embodies all of the characteristics of the city they’re from or the career path they’ve chosen? Then you might have come across someone who is perfectly typical, otherwise known as quintessential. Snacking on strawberries and cream while sipping a Pimm’s Cup at Wimbledon? That’s so quintessentially British!

36. Plethora

This word has two definitions—one beautiful and one not so beautiful. While plethora is most commonly associated with having an abundance of something (close your eyes and picture a plethora of disposable income!), it’s also a medical word that’s used to describe increased blood in a specific area.

37. Nemesis

As beautifully as this word rolls off of the tongue, it is associated with a rival or arch-enemy and can be used to describe inflicting an act of vengeance. That friend-of-a-friend who grinds your gears every time he comes to Friday night drinks? He might be your nemesis.

38. Lithe

One syllable and full of grace, the word lithe is used to characterize flexibility and a slim figure. For example, you may have noticed the lithe ballerinas when you attended a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime.

39. Tranquility

Hopefully, you’ll achieve a state of tranquility on your next beach vacation. This is just another word for being free from agitation of mind or spirit.

40. Elegance

Another word that sounds exactly the way it’s defined, elegance is a quality of style and grace.

41. Renaissance

Whether you’re referring to your own personal revival in life or the transitional period between the 14th and 17th centuries, the word renaissance will roll off the tongue and fulfill all of your aesthetically pleasing linguistic needs.

RELATED:
For more up-to-date information, sign up for our
daily newsletter.

42. Eloquence

A quality found in the most skillful politicians, this word refers to persuasive expressiveness. Look out for eloquence in the 2020 presidential debates—which candidate’s eloquence will win your vote?

43. Sequoia

These larger than life trees can be found throughout California, particularly in their namesake national park in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Having a hard time differentiating between a sequoia and a redwood (or the Sequoia National Park and the Redwood National and State Parks)? Here’s an easy way to differentiate: if you’re on the coast, then you’re probably looking up at a redwood; if you’re inland, then you’ve definitely found yourself in the presence of a sequoia.

44. Peace

Ever versatile, the word peace can refer to a state of mind, freedom from civil disturbances, or a time without war.

45. Lullaby

There isn’t a better word to describe a soothing melody to get your child to sleep. But this word isn’t reserved for babies—it can also be used as a verb meaning to quiet with or as with a lullaby.

46. Paradox

The beginning of the end. Youth is wasted on the young. These are both examples of paradox, or a statement that seemingly contradicts itself.

47. Pristine

This beautiful word seems to sparkle—and that’s fitting, since pristine means «fresh and clean or as if new.»

48. Effervescent

Here’s a clever new way to describe the bubbly can-do person around your office. Instead of merely calling them fun to be around, you could take things up a notch and say they have an effervescent personality. That simply means they have an appealingly lively quality.

49. Opulence

Do you dream of owning a mansion in Beverly Hills with a Maserati in the driveway and regular shopping trips on Rodeo Drive? Then you might be pining for a life of opulence. Keep on grinding!

50. Ethereal

This light and airy word might remind you of celestial bodies. Ethereal can refer to the upper regions of space as well as anything that is heavenly and unworldly seeming.

51. Sanguine

A complicated and beautiful word, sanguine comes with several meanings. It’s typically used as a synonym for optimism, but it can also describe a blood-red hue or something relating to blood.

52. Panacea

Panacea means all-healing in Greek and, fittingly, Panacea was the Greek goddess of healing. Today, the word is used to refer to something that could fix everything. Imagine a remedy for all of the problems you face on a daily basis—that would be a panacea.

53. Bodacious

While this word is often used to describe a body’s curves, bodacious can also be used to describe something that is remarkable or admirable. For example, a person might have a bodacious energy or a home might have bodacious decor.

54. Axiom

An axiom is a statement that is widely accepted as true. For example, from the Declaration of Independence—»we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.» These «truths» could also be described as axioms.

55. Silhouette

Depending on the situation, seeing a silhouette—or the outline of a figure—may be beautiful or spooky. For example, seeing the silhouette of a young couple on a park bench is lovely, but if you see a shadowy silhouette in a house you thought was empty, then you might want to run away.

56. Surreptitious

This word means to act clandestinely or to do or acquire something by stealth. For example, that person at your job who always seems to be working on a secret project might be considered surreptitious.

57. Ingenue

You’ll find examples of this word in classic literature, film, and television. Naive and innocent female characters such as Sandy at the start of Grease and Ophelia from Hamlet are examples of ingenues.

58. Dulcet

This dainty word is another one that seems to describe exactly what it sounds like—which is anything that is generally pleasing. For example, you may have recently listened to particularly dulcet music or indulged in a dulcet chocolate cake.

59. Tryst

This crisp word is usually used to describe a somewhat discreet meeting between two lovers. While technically defined as any sort of meeting or appointment (not necessarily with romantic motivations), you probably don’t want to refer to the next meeting at your office as a «tryst».

60. Ebullience

A beautiful word that’s probably best used to describe a litter of golden retriever puppies, ebullience is the quality of excitement and enthusiasm.

And for how English is used in different regions of the U.S., here are 60 Words People Pronounce Differently Across America.

Definition of Euphony

The literary device euphony is derived from the Greek word euphonos, which means “sweet-voiced.” It can be defined as the use of words and phrases that are distinguished as having a wide range of noteworthy melody or loveliness in the sounds they create. It gives pleasing and soothing effects to the ear due to repeated vowels and smooth consonants. It can be used with other literary devices like alliteration, assonance and rhyme to create more melodic effects. Examples of euphony are commonly found in poetry and literary prose.

Features of Euphony

All euphony examples share the following features:

• Euphony involves the use of long vowel sounds, which are more melodious than consonants.
• Euphony involves the use of harmonious consonants, such as l, m, n, r, and soft f and v sounds.
• Euphony uses soft consonants or semi-vowels, including w, s, y, and th or wh, extensively to create more pleasant sounds.

Examples of Euphony in Literature

Example #1: Ode to Autumn (By John Keats)

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch –eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees…”

There are many different words and phrases that can create euphony. However, in the given piece, Keats has used euphony in the whole poem, which gives soothing and pleasing effects. Long vowel sounds like mellow, maturing, load, ripeness, and semi-vowel sounds, like s and w, are exquisitely used.

Example #2: Success (By Emily Dickinson)

“Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need. Not one of all the purple host
Who took the flag to-day
Can tell the definition,
So clear, of victory,

As he, defeated, dying,
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Break, agonized and clear!”

In this poem, Emily Dickinson has used soft and harmonious consonants to create euphony. For example, s, v, and f sounds run throughout the poem. Such words are melodic in nature, hence they produce pleasing sounds.

Example #3: The Lotos-Eaters (By Alfred Lord Tennyson)

“‘Courage!’ he said, and pointed toward the land,
‘This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.’
In the afternoon they came unto a land
In which it seemed always afternoon.
All round the coast the languid air did swoon,
Breathing like one that hath a weary dream.
Full-faced above the valley stood the moon;
And like a downward smoke, the slender stream
Along the cliff to fall and pause and fall did seem.”

Tennyson is famous for using euphony in most of his poems. He uses long vowels and semi-vowels of soft consonants. The long vowels, such as mounting, soon, languid and slender whereas soft vowels include l, s, f and w sounds that are giving sense of pleasantness.

Example #4: Macbeth (By William Shakespeare)

“…Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.”

The language of Shakespeare is a great example of euphony. He has used pleasant, harmonious, and musical sounds in the above excerpt from Macbeth. Here, the euphonic words are shown in bold.

Function of Euphony

The purpose of using euphony is to bring about peaceful and pleasant feelings in a piece of literary work. The readers enjoy reading such pieces of literature or poems. The long vowels create more melodious effect than short vowels and consonants, making the sounds harmonious and soothing. In addition, pronunciation and enunciation become agreeable and easy. Furthermore, euphony is used in poetry and speeches to convey messages effectively to the audience and the readers.