Mellow
Adjective
Definition: (especially of a sound, flavor, or color) pleasantly smooth or soft; free from harshness.
Synonyms: Smooth, Soft, Gentle, Mild
Antonyms: Harsh, Sharp, Cacophonous
- The mellow jazz music created a relaxing atmosphere.
- The mellow taste of the wine paired perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- Imagine a soothing and calming melody, resulting in a mellow feeling.
Etymology:
The word "mellow" originated in Middle English, derived from Old English "melu," meaning "grind" or "burden." It evolved to mean "ripe" or "mature" in the 16th century, and eventually came to describe pleasant smoothness in the 19th century.
Historical Usage:Initially used to describe the ripening process of fruits, the term gradually extended to refer to sounds, flavors, and colors exhibiting a smooth, gentle quality.
Related Idioms:
"Mellow out"
Explanation:To relax, calm down, or become less intense or stressed.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "mellow" with "yellow."
Explanation:Although the words may sound similar, they have different meanings. "Mellow" pertains to a smooth or soft quality, while "yellow" refers to a color.