Unmelodious: meaning, definitions and examples
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unmelodious
[ʌnˈmɛlədɪəs ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
sound quality
Unmelodious describes a sound that lacks melody, harmony, or pleasantness. It often refers to music or singing that is discordant or unpleasant to hear. This term is commonly used to describe noises that are grating or jarring.
Synonyms
cacophonous, discordant, dissonant, grating.
Examples of usage
- The unmelodious clanging of the pots broke the silence.
- Her unmelodious singing grated on the ears of the audience.
- The unmelodious sounds of the machinery made it hard to concentrate.
- He described the unmelodious sound of the traffic as overwhelming.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English, meaning 'not', and 'melodious' originates from the Greek word 'melodia', which means 'song' or 'singing'.
- The word 'melody' has evolved from ancient languages, with 'melodious' emerging in English around the late 14th century.
- Before the term 'unmelodious' was popularized, 'discordant' was often used to describe unpleasant sounds.
Music Theory
- Unmelodious sounds are often found in dissonant music, which can create feelings of tension and discomfort.
- In jazz and modern classical music, unmelodious elements are sometimes intentionally used to challenge traditional ideas of harmony.
- Certain instruments, like the didgeridoo or some kinds of percussion, can produce unmelodious sounds when played in specific styles, yet they can be integral to the overall composition.
Cultural References
- In popular culture, unmelodious sounds often appear in cartoons; for example, when a character attempts to sing badly to comic effect.
- Many avant-garde artists embrace unmelodious sounds as a legitimate art form, exemplified by the 'Lettrism' movement in the mid-20th century, which valued sound over melody.
- Films like 'A Clockwork Orange' utilized harsh and unmelodious soundscapes to enhance emotional impact and convey deeper themes.
Psychology
- Research shows that unmelodious and dissonant sounds can lead to stress or anxiety in listeners, as they create a sense of chaos.
- People have varying thresholds for unmelodious sounds, often influenced by cultural background and individual experiences with music.
- In therapeutic settings, listening to unmelodious sounds can provoke emotional responses that may help in processing feelings in expressive arts therapy.