melody
UK: ˈmelədi | US: ˈmelədi
n. a sequence of musical notes arranged in a pleasing pattern; a tune
n. the aspect of music concerned with the arrangement of single notes; musical quality
melody = melo<song> + dy<noun suffix>
- melo: From Greek melos (song, tune), referring to musical expression.
- dy: A suffix derived from Greek -ōidia (singing), later simplified in Latin melodia.
Etymology Origin:
The word "melody" traces back to Greek melōidia (singing, chanting), combining melos (song) and aoidē (ode, singing). Latin adopted it as melodia, which entered Old French as melodie before reaching Middle English. The core idea of "a sequence of notes forming a tune" has remained consistent, reflecting its roots in vocal and instrumental music.
The composer crafted a haunting melody for the violin solo.
She hummed a familiar melody from her childhood.
The melody of the song is simple but unforgettable.
Birdsong often follows natural melodic patterns.
His voice carried the melody while the choir harmonized.