melancholy voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "melancholy voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that conveys sadness or a reflective, sorrowful tone. Example: "Her melancholy voice echoed through the empty room, filling it with a sense of longing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Hough's rough, melancholy voice is a big instrument that belies his diminutive size.

The New Yorker

"I always had a certain fear of Berta Cáceres," Melo said, in a wry, melancholy voice.

The New Yorker

He sang them with a tender, caressing, melancholy voice - he expressed better than anyone the essence of that generation".

The Guardian - Music

With her low, melancholy voice and the tortured conscience of her lyrics, Fiona Apple never seemed cut out for comedy.

The New York Times

Kamila Thompson revealed her own richly melancholy voice as she brought out the heartache in Wham's "Last Christmas".

The New York Times

Daughter, led by Elena Tonra, floated her melancholy voice and death-haunted lyrics in arrangements that surrounded her like turbulent weather: gusty cymbals, clouds of electric-guitar reverb.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

His melancholy voice-over narration early on is a letter to her.

The New York Times

Later in the movement, the melancholy voices of woodwind instruments joined the piano and percussion, completing a picture of crepuscular strangeness.

The Guardian - Music

RZA's stark, ominous backup tracks -- minor-key samples and wordless, melancholy voices -- connote a grim universe of mistrust, solitude and desolation.

The New York Times

Yet at the same time Ms. Jones's quiet, melancholy, unforced voice is immediately recognizable, recorded in intimate close-up.

The New York Times - Arts

Right there is where Cash's dark, melancholy, passionate voice is born.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "melancholy voice" when you want to specifically highlight a tone that is both sad and reflective, rather than simply sad. This phrase works well in literary contexts or when describing artistic performances.

Common error

Avoid using "melancholy voice" in everyday conversation; simpler words like "sad" or "unhappy" might be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "melancholy voice" primarily functions as a descriptive element, where "melancholy" modifies the noun "voice". It adds a layer of emotional depth, indicating a tone imbued with sadness or pensive reflection. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "melancholy voice" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly within the realm of news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes a vocal quality imbued with sadness and introspection. While alternatives like "sad voice" or "sorrowful voice" exist, "melancholy voice" carries a nuanced connotation suitable for contexts demanding emotional depth. It is advisable to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian underscores its validity and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad voice

Replaces "melancholy" with a more direct synonym for sadness.

sorrowful voice

Similar to "sad voice" but implies a deeper sense of grief.

plaintive voice

Suggests a sound that is mournful and evokes pity.

wistful voice

Indicates a reflective sadness or longing.

mournful voice

Implies a voice filled with grief, often associated with loss.

lugubrious voice

Conveys extreme mournfulness or gloominess.

lamenting voice

Suggests a voice expressing regret or sorrow.

pensive voice

Emphasizes a thoughtful, somewhat sad quality in the voice.

depressed voice

Indicates a voice that sounds deeply unhappy or discouraged.

somber voice

Similar to "sad voice", but implying seriousness and solemnity.

FAQs

What does "melancholy voice" mean?

A "melancholy voice" is a voice characterized by a tone of sadness, pensiveness, or introspection. It suggests a sense of deep thoughtfulness tinged with sorrow.

What can I say instead of "melancholy voice"?

You can use alternatives like "sad voice", "sorrowful voice", or "plaintive voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "melancholy voice" formal or informal?

"Melancholy voice" leans towards the formal side, suitable for literature, journalism, and contexts where a nuanced description of emotion is desired. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

How do I use "melancholy voice" in a sentence?

You can use "melancholy voice" to describe someone's speech: "Her "melancholy voice" filled the room with a sense of longing." Or, you can use it to describe the quality of a performance: "The singer's "melancholy voice" perfectly captured the mood of the song".