melodie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in musical contexts, literary or poetic in extended use.
Quick answer
What does “melodie” mean?
A sequence of single notes arranged in a musically expressive way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sequence of single notes arranged in a musically expressive way; the principal tune in a piece of music.
A pleasant sequence or arrangement of sounds, or by extension, something that evokes a similar pleasing or harmonious quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “melodie” in a Sentence
melody of [something]melody for [instrument]melody by [composer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “melodie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'melody' is not used as a verb. Use 'melodize'.
American English
- N/A - 'melody' is not used as a verb. Use 'melodize'.
adverb
British English
- She sang melodiously.
- The piece is melodically complex.
American English
- She sang melodiously.
- The piece is melodically complex.
adjective
British English
- The melodic line was clear.
- He has a very melodious voice.
American English
- The melodic line was clear.
- She has a very melodious voice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the music industry (e.g., 'The melody is copyrighted.').
Academic
Common in musicology, music theory, and literary analysis.
Everyday
Common when discussing music, songs, or describing pleasant sounds.
Technical
Central term in music theory, referring to a linear succession of musical tones.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “melodie”
- Confusing 'melody' with 'harmony' (simultaneous notes).
- Using 'melody' to refer to the lyrics of a song (it refers only to the tune).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A melody is a sequence of single notes heard as a coherent entity (the tune). Harmony refers to the combination of simultaneously sounded notes (chords) that support the melody.
Yes, figuratively. You can describe a bird's song, a person's voice, or even poetic language as having a 'melody' to suggest a pleasing, musical quality.
Yes. You can have 'a beautiful melody' or 'several memorable melodies'.
The main adjectives are 'melodic' (relating to melody) and 'melodious' (pleasingly musical, tuneful).
A sequence of single notes arranged in a musically expressive way.
Melodie is usually neutral to formal; common in musical contexts, literary or poetic in extended use. in register.
Melodie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmel.ə.di/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmel.ə.di/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to carry a tune (possess basic melodic ability)”
- “to have a tin ear (lack melodic perception)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MELODY' as 'MELlifluous ODY' (from ode, a song). A mellifluous song.
Conceptual Metaphor
MELODY IS A PATH (the melody rises, falls, wanders, returns). MELODY IS A LIQUID (the melody flows, pours out).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'melody'?