In this vocabulary question, select the word most similar in meaning to the adjective 'Mellifluous', which describes a sweet, smooth and pleasant-sounding voice or piece of music.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Dulcet

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This English vocabulary question tests your understanding of synonyms for slightly advanced adjectives that often appear in reading comprehension and descriptive writing. The key word here is 'Mellifluous', which is commonly used in literature and criticism to describe a very pleasant sound, especially a voice or music. Knowing such words helps you express nuance and also improves your ability to understand higher-level texts, newspaper editorials and competitive exam passages.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: 'Mellifluous'.
- Four options: 'Shiver', 'Frank', 'Immoral', 'Dulcet'.
- Exactly one option should be closest in meaning to 'Mellifluous'.
- Standard modern English meanings and exam-oriented usage are assumed.


Concept / Approach:
The adjective 'Mellifluous' literally comes from Latin roots meaning 'flowing with honey'. In modern English it describes a sound that is sweet, smooth, musical and very pleasant to hear. To solve this type of synonym question, you first recall or infer the core meaning of the target word from its typical context, then compare that meaning with each option. The correct synonym will share the positive, sweet-sounding quality, while incorrect options will either describe different senses or have negative connotations that do not match.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a 'mellifluous voice' or 'mellifluous music' means a voice or tune that is very smooth, sweet and pleasant to listen to. Step 2: Examine 'Shiver'. This is a verb or noun related to trembling, usually from cold or fear, and does not describe a type of sound. Step 3: Examine 'Frank'. This adjective describes a person who is honest and open, again unrelated to the quality of sound. Step 4: Examine 'Immoral'. This relates to behaviour that is wrong or against accepted moral standards, which clearly does not connect with pleasant sound. Step 5: Examine 'Dulcet'. This adjective is used for sounds that are sweet, soothing and melodious, very close in meaning to 'Mellifluous'.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by substituting the options in common collocations. We naturally say 'a mellifluous voice' and also 'a dulcet voice', but 'a shiver voice' or 'an immoral voice' makes no sense. Similarly, 'mellifluous music' and 'dulcet music' both sound correct and convey sweetness and charm. Therefore 'Dulcet' is clearly the best synonym and reflects the same positive, musical quality of sound that 'Mellifluous' carries.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Shiver' is wrong because it deals with trembling, not with sweetness of sound. 'Frank' is wrong because it describes openness and honesty in speech, not how that speech sounds. 'Immoral' is wrong because it concerns ethics and behaviour, not tone or musical pleasantness. None of these share the idea of smooth, honey-like sound that is central to 'Mellifluous'.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to guess based purely on how 'fancy' or complicated an option looks, rather than its meaning. Another pitfall is to confuse 'Mellifluous' with words like 'melancholy' just because both start with 'mel'. Always focus on the sense: 'melli' is related to honey, hinting at sweetness, while 'dulcet' also suggests sweetness. Building small mental stories such as 'a mellifluous, honey-like song' can help fix the meaning in long-term memory.


Final Answer:
The word most similar in meaning to 'Mellifluous' is Dulcet.

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