Euphony
Definition:
The literary device “euphony” refers to the use of phrases and words that are noted for possessing an extensive degree of notable loveliness or melody in the sound they create. The use of euphony is predominant in literary prose and poetry, where poetic devices such as alliterations, rhymes and assonace are used to create pleasant sounds. Euphony is the opposite of cacophony, which refers to the creation of unpleasant and harsh sounds by using certain words/ phrases together. This literary devices is based on the use and manipulation of phonetics in literature.
Example:
It has been said that the phrase “cellar door” is reportedly the most pleasant sounding phrase in the English language. The phrase is said to depict the highest degree of euphony, and is said to be especially notable when spoken in the British accent.
Comments
5 comments postedRead E.E. Cummings "anyone lived in a pretty how town." Its short and beautiful lots of euphony.
Euphony is a 'LITERARY TERM!' right? How can such a thing depend on an accent to be more ore less obvious? For something to qualify as euphony according to the definition given, it must be 'lovely' and 'melodious' to a reader's ear. Because those benchmarks are subjective, there will always be conflict in assigning the label. Think of it this way; For many the words "We the people..." qualify. For others, not so much. There are people in the world who find the idea behind "The Lord is my shepherd . . ." abhorrent, while to others those and the words which follow are the most sublime ever written. POV provides appreciation.
I would recommend trying to understand something before arguing it.
"Cellar door" is a euphony because it has both soft vowel sounds and soft consonant sounds. It is based on the study on linguistics.
Why exactly is the phrase "cellar door" such a big deal?
sounds like a cacophony to me.
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