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Tuneful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tuneful

[ˈtjuːnfl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

music

Pleasant-sounding; melodious.

Synonyms

harmonious, melodious, musical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tuneful

Duplicate entry, see 'tuneful' context above.
melodious

Refers to something that produces a sweet or pleasant melody. Used more in literary contexts or descriptions to emphasize the beauty of sound.

  • Her melodious singing voice made her performance memorable.
  • The bird sang a melodious tune at dawn.
harmonious

Used to describe a combination of sounds that are pleasing together, often refers to multiple elements working well in unison, not limited to music. Can also be used metaphorically to describe compatibility or peaceful relationships.

  • The harmonious chords of the orchestra filled the concert hall.
  • They have a harmonious relationship, never arguing about minor issues.
musical

Describes something related to music, such as sounds, abilities, or instruments. It's a broad term often used in discussions about music in general.

  • She has a great musical talent and can play multiple instruments.
  • The movie was delightful, featuring several musical numbers.

Examples of usage

  • The tuneful melody filled the room with joy.
  • Her voice was tuneful and soothing.
  • The concert was a tuneful experience for everyone in the audience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music Genres

  • Genres like classical and folk often emphasize tunefulness, as they focus on catchy melodies.
  • Many pop songs aim to be tuneful to attract listeners and stay in their heads.
  • Jazz can be tuneful too, especially in the way musicians create engaging melodies during improvisation.

Psychology

  • Melodic music can trigger emotional responses, making tuneful songs more likely to uplift a person's mood.
  • Research shows that listeners often prefer music that is easy to sing along to, which enhances the perception of tunefulness.
  • The brain reacts positively to tuneful melodies, releasing dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and reward.

Cultural References

  • Various cultures celebrate tuneful music with festivals that highlight local melodies and musical traditions.
  • Many children's songs are designed to be tuneful, making them easier to learn and sing.

Literature

  • Poetry often uses tuneful rhythms to create a musical quality, making verses more memorable.
  • Classic poets like William Wordsworth and John Keats emphasized melodic qualities in their writings, enhancing the tunefulness of their poetry.

Origin of 'tuneful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tuneful' combines 'tune', which originates from Middle English, meaning a melody or a song.
  • The suffix '-ful' means 'full of', so 'tuneful' literally means 'full of tunes'.
  • The use of 'tuneful' became popular in the 16th century to describe music that's melodious.

The word 'tuneful' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of 'tune' and the suffix '-ful'. It has been used to describe melodious and pleasant-sounding music or sounds ever since. The term is commonly used in the context of music appreciation and critique.

See also: tune, tunefully, tuner, tunes, tuning, tunings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,023, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.