Definition of euphony
euphonies
1 : pleasing or sweet sound; especially : the acoustic effect produced by words so formed or combined as to please the ear
2 : a harmonious succession of words having a pleasing sound
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Did You Know?
Euphony was borrowed from French at the beginning of the 17th century; the French word ("euphonie") itself derives from the Late Latin euphonia, which in turn traces back to the Greek adjective euphōnos, meaning "sweet-voiced" or "musical." "Euphōnos" was formed by combining the prefix eu- ("good") and "phōnē" ("voice"). In addition to its more commonly recognized senses, "euphony" also has a more specific meaning in the field of linguistics, where it can refer to the preference for words that are easy to pronounce; this preference may be the cause of an observed trend of people altering the pronunciation of certain words apparently in favor of sound combinations that are simpler and faster to say out loud.
Origin and Etymology of euphony
French euphonie, from Late Latin euphonia, from Greek euphōnia, from euphōnos sweet-voiced, musical, from eu- + phōnē voice — more at ban
First Known Use: 1606
Other Literature Terms
Learn More about euphony
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Spanish Central: Translation of euphony Nglish: Translation of euphony for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about euphony
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