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Melodies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽถ
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melodies

[หˆmษ›lษ™diz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

Melodies are sequences of notes that are musically satisfying.

Synonyms

harmonies, musical notes, tunes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
melodies

Melodies usually refer to the main sequence of notes in a piece of music that is musically satisfying and easy to remember. They are often used when talking about memorable parts of songs.

  • The melodies in this album are really catchy.
  • She can create beautiful melodies on her piano.
tunes

Tunes can refer to simple, memorable sequences of musical notes, similar to melodies, but often used in a more informal context. Use this word when talking about catchy or popular music.

  • That's a catchy tune!
  • We spent the evening humming our favorite tunes.
harmonies

Harmonies refer to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to produce a pleasing effect. Use this word when describing the overall sound created by multiple notes.

  • The choir's harmonies were perfect.
  • He loves the rich harmonies in classical music.
musical notes

Musical notes are the symbols used in written music to represent the pitch and duration of a sound. They are more technical and general, often used in music education or when talking about the structure of music.

  • He taught me how to read musical notes.
  • The sheet music is filled with musical notes.

Examples of usage

  • Her melodies were so beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes.
  • The melody of the song stuck in my head all day.
  • He hummed a catchy melody while walking down the street.
Context #2 | Noun

poetry

Melodies can also refer to the rhythm or flow of a poem.

Synonyms

cadence, flow, rhythm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
melodies

Used to describe the sequence of musical notes that are pleasing to the ear. It is intangible and often refers to the tuneful aspect of music.

  • The composer's melodies are touching and unforgettable.
  • She hummed a beautiful melody while she worked.
cadence

Refers to the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words, often used in both music and speech. It also denotes a specific ending of a musical phrase.

  • The cadence of his speech was calming.
  • In poetry, the cadence can emphasize the emotion of the words.
rhythm

Relates to the pattern of beats or a strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound. It can be used to describe not only music but also other repeated, organized activities.

  • The rhythm of the drums was captivating.
  • To improve his running, he worked on his rhythm and pacing.
flow

Pertains to the smooth and uninterrupted progress or movement in music or speech. It can describe how seamlessly things proceed without abrupt changes.

  • The flow of the song makes it very relaxing to listen to.
  • Her flow in the rap performance was outstanding.

Examples of usage

  • The poet's verses had a melodic quality that entranced the audience.
  • She wrote with a lyrical melody that captivated readers.
  • The melodies of his poetry resonated with deep emotion.
Context #3 | Noun

speech

Melodies can be used to describe the intonation or inflection of someone's voice.

Synonyms

cadence, inflection, intonation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
melodies

Refers to a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity, usually in music. It's often used when talking about creating, playing, or enjoying music.

  • The composer created beautiful melodies for the film score.
  • Her voice soared above the melodies of the orchestra.
intonation

Pertains to the rise and fall in the pitch of the voice while speaking, important for conveying meaning and emotion in spoken language. It's frequently discussed in language and communication studies.

  • Good intonation is essential for clear communication in any language.
  • The teacher corrected the student's intonation to improve his pronunciation.
inflection

Relates to the modulation of the pitch or tone of the voice, often used in linguistics or communication. It reflects changes in pitch to indicate things like questions or emotions.

  • Her voice had a curious inflection when she asked the question.
  • Adding the correct inflection can make a huge difference in how you express meaning.
cadence

Used to describe the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words, often in poetry or speech. It may also refer to the end of a phrase in music with a sense of resolution.

  • The cadence of his speech was captivating and kept the audience engaged.
  • The song ends with a perfect cadence.

Examples of usage

  • Her voice had a melodic quality that made her speeches engaging.
  • The professor's melodic tone kept the students attentive.
  • The melody of his speech conveyed sincerity and passion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cognitive Science

  • Listening to melodies can stimulate areas in the brain associated with emotions and memories, which is why songs can make us feel nostalgic.
  • Children often learn language more effectively when they associate words with melodies, showing the connection between music and learning.
  • Research indicates that certain melodies can improve concentration and productivity, especially in environments like offices or study rooms.

Cultural Impact

  • Different cultures have unique melodies that reflect their heritage, such as the Indian raga or the Scottish reel.
  • Popular melodies often become anthems for movements, like 'We Shall Overcome,' which is associated with civil rights.
  • In contemporary culture, catchy melodies can greatly influence a songโ€™s success on music charts and platforms.

Psychology

  • Melodies can affect our mood: upbeat tunes might make us feel happy, while slower melodies can induce relaxation or sadness.
  • The 'mere exposure effect' suggests that repeated exposure to certain melodies can lead to liking them more, a phenomenon often utilized in advertising.
  • Music therapy employs melodies to help individuals with emotional and mental health issues, highlighting the therapeutic power of music.

Technology

  • The development of synthesizers in the 20th century revolutionized how melodies are created, leading to new genres like electronic music.
  • Music streaming services now use algorithms to suggest melodies based on our preferences, helping us discover new artists and songs.
  • Mobile technology allows humans to compose and share melodies easily through apps, democratizing music creation.

Origin of 'melodies'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'melodia', meaning 'one singing' or 'a tune'.
  • Historically, melodies were used in ancient cultures as a way to tell stories and pass down traditions.
  • In medieval times, music became more structured, and melodies started incorporating harmonies, leading to the music we recognize today.

The word 'melodies' originated from the Greek word 'melลidรญa', which means 'singing, chanting'. Melodies have been an integral part of human expression since ancient times, with cultures around the world using music to convey emotions, stories, and beliefs. From ancient chants to modern compositions, melodies continue to play a central role in music, poetry, and speech.

See also: melodic, melodious, melodiously.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,286, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.