- Today's Word
Mellifluous
[muh-LIF-loo-us]
Definition
- (adjective) A voice or sound that is smooth, rich, and pleasing to the ear. It’s often used to describe someone who has a soothing, honeyed tone when speaking or singing, making their words flow effortlessly like a gentle stream.
Example
As the podcast host spoke with her mellifluous voice, listeners found themselves hanging onto every word, captivated by the smooth, pleasant quality of her speech.
Fun Fact
The word “mellifluous” comes from the Latin words “mel,” meaning “honey,” and “fluere,” meaning “to flow.” This origin perfectly captures the essence of the word, as a mellifluous voice is often described as being as smooth and sweet as honey. In nature, the sound of flowing water or the gentle humming of bees can be considered mellifluous, showcasing the calming, pleasant qualities associated with this word.
(verb) To obtain something by persuasion, scheming, or clever manipulation.
He managed to wangle an invitation to the exclusive event through a friend of a friend.
Late 19th century: originally printers’ slang, possibly an alteration of “waggle” meaning “to move unsteadily,” suggesting indirect or roundabout methods.