melancholy

How to Split "melancholy" into Syllables

The word melancholy is divided into 3 syllables: me·lancho·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• me — 1st syllable
• lancho — 2nd syllable
• ly — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of melancholy:

• IPA: /ˈmɛlənkəli/

📖 Definitions

1. melancholy (countable and uncountable, plural melancholies)
2. Melancholy, cold and dry, thick, black, and sour, […] is a bridle to the other two hot humours, blood and choler, preserving them in the blood, and nourishing the bones.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English malencolie, from Old French melancolie, from Ancient Greek μελαγχολία (melankholía, “atrabiliousness”), from μέλας (mélas), μελαν- (melan-, “black, dark, murky”) + χολή (kholḗ, “bile”). Compare the Latin ātra bīlis (“black bile”). The adjectival use is a Middle English innovation, perhaps influenced by the suffixes -y, -ly. Doublet of melancholia.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down melancholy into syllables helps with:

• Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
• Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
• Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
• Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
• Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to melancholy:

Mel, meld, melt, Melba, melee, melon, Melva, Melisa.