different between superfluous vs mellifluous

English

Etymology

From Latin superfluus (“superfluous”), from superflu? (“overflow”), from super (“above, more than, over”) + flu? (“flow”). Compare mellifluous and fluid, also from Latin. Literally corresponds to overflow, which is from Germanic, rather than Latin.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /su??p??flu.?s/, /sj??p??flu.?s/
• (US) IPA^(key): /su??p??flu.?s/

Adjective

superfluous (comparative more superfluous, superlative most superfluous)

1. In excess of what is required or sufficient.

   With a full rain suit, carrying an umbrella may be superfluous.

Synonyms

• excessive, extraneous, extra, pleonastic, supernumerary, surplus, unnecessary, extravagant

Coordinate terms

• gratuitous

Related terms

• superflux
• superfluity
• mellifluous

Translations

English

Etymology

From Latin mellifluus (“flowing like honey”), from mel (“honey”) + flu? (“flow”). Compare superfluous and fluid, from same root, and with dulcet (“sweet speech”), alternative Latinate term with a similar meaning.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /m??l?flu.?s/, /m??l?flu.?s/

Adjective

mellifluous (comparative more mellifluous, superlative most mellifluous)

1. Flowing like honey.
2. (figuratively) Sweet, smooth and musical; pleasant to hear (generally used of a person's voice, tone or writing style).

   Synonyms: birdsweet, dulcet, euphonious, mellifluent

   • 1853: Sir Egerton Brydges, "Life of Milton"

     No verses can be more mellifluous than Petrarch's: something of this will perhaps be attributed to the softness of the Italian language; but the English tongue is also capable of it, however obstinately Johnson may have pronounced otherwise.

Derived terms

• mellifluousness

Related terms

• melliloquent
• superfluous

Translations