Literary notes about mellifluous (AI summary)
Authors use "mellifluous" to evoke a quality of sound that is both smooth and richly pleasing, often describing language or voices that seem to flow like a gentle stream. In poetic contexts, it characterizes verses imbued with a natural, harmonious cadence that enhances the overall beauty of the written word [1, 2, 3]. When applied to speech, the term suggests a voice that transcends mere sound to become a tool of persuasion, comfort, or subtle allure [4, 5, 6]. Moreover, in descriptive prose, "mellifluous" can paint an auditory portrait of landscapes or natural ambience, lending an almost musical quality to the portrayal of scenery [7, 8]. This multifaceted use underscores its role in enriching both the aesthetic and emotive dimensions of literature.
- In almost all his poems the words follow their natural order, and are mellifluous beyond those of almost any other verse writer.
— from The Poetical Works of William Collins; With a Memoir by William Collins - We cite the following here, to show still farther the solemnity of his musings, and mellifluous perfection of his versification.
— from The Knickerbocker, Vol. 57, No. 1, January 1861 by Various - Eight years later, the author being then in Italy, it was recast with great care in mellifluous blank verse.
— from The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 01 Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English. - How is Don Franco?" said the cunning Pasotti, in a mellifluous voice, as he offered his open snuff-box to his hostess.
— from The Patriot (Piccolo Mondo Antico) by Antonio Fogazzaro - A mellifluous voice, as I am true knight.
— from Twelfth Night; Or, What You Will by William Shakespeare - He was smiling with extreme urbanity, and talking in a low, mellifluous voice to the lady, who evidently was not listening to him.
— from Roderick Hudson by Henry James - It was a fine view that spread before him—a soothing, mellifluous landscape of golden river and hazy blue Indiana hills.
— from Why Joan? by Eleanor Mercein Kelly - And the banks of those rivers resounded with the mellifluous strains of the male Kokilas and the notes of peacocks and cranes.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1
