euphony

[ yoo-fuh-nee ]

noun

, plural eu·pho·nies.

1. agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words:

   the majestic euphony of Milton's poetry.

euphony

/ ˈjuːfənɪ /

noun

1. the alteration of speech sounds, esp by assimilation, so as to make them easier to pronounce
2. a pleasing sound, esp in speech

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphony¹

1615–25; < Late Latin euphōnia < Greek euphōnía. See eu-, -phony

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphony¹

C17: from Late Latin euphōnia, from Greek, from eu- + phōnē voice

Example Sentences

The hyperbole, salesmanship and euphony of the expression match his literate satirical persona.

From New York Times

Finally, our group out here settled on Federalist Society as a name, which I suppose makes up in euphony what it lacks in accuracy.

From Salon

The euphony in Obama’s campaign speeches, alternately fiery and soothing, changed to the melody of authority once he was in office.

From The Guardian

Listen to how the music unfolds: passages that slyly verge on atonality are linked like gossamer chains to hinge moments of pure tonal euphony, each expressing a clear dramatic point.

From The New Yorker

There will always be an addictive quality to Future’s syrupy flows, which have inspired so many rappers to replicate the duality of charming euphony attached to dreary subject matter.

From The New Yorker