Melody

Definition

Melody refers to a sequence of musical notes that is musically satisfying, often being the prominent tune or theme in a composition.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛlədi/
• Respelling: MEL-uh-dee (with "MEL" as in "melon," "uh" as in "sofa," and "dee" as in "deed")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛlədi/
• Respelling: MEL-uh-dee (with "MEL" as in "melon," "uh" as in "sofa," and "dee" as in "deed")

In both dialects, "melody" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MEL." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MEL-uh-dee."

Etymology

The term "melody" originates from the Old French "melodie" and further from the Latin "melodia." The root stems from the Greek "melōidia," from "melos" meaning "song" and "aeidein" or "ōide" meaning "to sing."

Derivatives

• Melodic
• Melodize
• Melodiously
• Melodist
• Melodiousness

Synonyms

• Tune
• Air
• Theme

Antonyms

• Dissonance
• Noise
• Disharmony

Usage

General Usage

"Melody" is used primarily in the context of music, referring to a collection of pitch and rhythm sequences perceived as a single entity.

Analytical Usage

In music theory and analysis, the term can refer to specific structural elements, contrasting with other elements like harmony and rhythm.

Related Terms

• Harmony
• Rhythm
• Chord
• Note
• Scale

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Musical Sequence: A linear succession of musical tones that the listener perceives as a single entity. It is often considered the foreground to the background accompaniment.
• Example: The song had a haunting melody that stayed with me for days.

• Main Musical Theme: A principal recurring theme of a musical composition or a song.
• Example: The composer introduced the main melody early in the piece.

• Pleasant Sound in General: A pleasing sequence or combination of sounds in speech or other sounds.
• Example: The melody of birds chirping announced the break of dawn.