Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to melody: Pertaining to or having the nature of a melody, which is a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying.
   • Pleasingly tuneful or melodious: Characterized by a pleasant, sweet, or agreeable succession of musical sounds.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The composer's melodic themes are simple yet unforgettable. (This describes themes that are related to or consist of strong, memorable melodies.)
  • Her voice is not powerful, but it has a beautiful melodic quality. (This describes a voice characterized by a pleasing, tuneful sound.)
  • The song's melodic structure is quite complex. (This refers to the structure pertaining to its melody.)

Advanced Usage

• "Melodic line": Another term for a melody or tune.
  • The violin carries the main melodic line in this piece.
• "Melodic minor scale": A specific type of musical scale used in classical and jazz theory.
  • The soloist used the melodic minor scale for improvisation.

Variants and Related Words

• Melodically (adverb): In a melodic manner.
  • The phrase was played melodically and with great feeling.
• Melody (noun): A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying; a tune.
  • He composed a beautiful melody for the chorus.
• Melodious (adjective): Pleasant-sounding; tuneful. (Often used interchangeably with 'melodic' in its second meaning).
  • The melodious sound of the harp filled the room.

Synonyms

• Tuneful: Having a pleasing tune; melodious.
• Lyrical: Expressing deep personal emotion or observations; also, resembling song in melody.
• Ariose: Characterized by melody; melodic (a more literary or technical synonym).

Antonyms

• Unmelodic: Not melodic; lacking melody.
• Discordant: Lacking harmony or agreement; harsh in sound.
• Atonal: Lacking a tonal center or key; not written in any key or mode.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Melodic contour: The shape or pattern of a melody as it moves up and down in pitch.
  • The melodic contour of the folk song is very distinctive.
• Melodic interval: The distance in pitch between two consecutive notes in a melody.
  • The large melodic interval gives the phrase a dramatic feel.

Adjective

1. of or relating to melody
   • melodic harmony
2. containing or constituting or characterized by pleasing melody
   • the melodious song of a meadowlark