Best sounding word

The Most Beautiful Words in the English Language

English is a quirky, often confusing language that's been shaped and influenced by many others. As such, it has a massive variety of words—but here are some we think rise above the crowd and deserve the designation "beautiful."

What makes a word “beautiful”?

Unlike things like symphonies or artwork, words aren’t created with the intention of being beautiful; their purpose is to create meaning. So it can be difficult to pinpoint the “beauty” of a word. We can find a word beautiful because of the way it sounds, as well as because of what it means. But we’re not including words that mean beautiful things, like “freedom” or “peace”—because it’s the concept that’s so beautiful, not the word itself. We’ve chosen words that have an elegant, unique, or fun sound—and we’ve got some that just look really cool, too! And, of course, we all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so a word’s “beauty” is not objective; you could very well have some words you find far more beautiful than these. Here are our choices (in no particular order).

1. Sibilance

“Sibilance” refers to the distinctive hiss-like sound made by the letter S, or comparable sounds like a soft C. The phrase “seven suspicious snakes” contains a lot of sibilance. Bonus beauty points for the fact that the word itself actually contains some sibilance.

2. Tranquility

What is it about the “qu” sound, whether at the beginning of words or in the middle, that sounds so pleasing to us? “Tranquility,” which means the state of being calm or peaceful, just sounds peaceful saying it, with its gentle consonant sounds and mix of long and short vowels.

3. Loquacious

The “qu” sound strikes again! “Loquacious” is a way nicer-sounding way to say that someone is talkative or chatty. And we wouldn’t mind someone having this quality if they used lots of beautiful words like these!

4. Lagniappe

Say what?! This loanword from Louisiana French pronounces the “gn” like “gnocchi,” making the word sound like “lah-nyapp. ” And what does it mean? It’s another word for a gift, usually monetary like a tip, and you might still hear it in areas of southern Louisiana and southeastern Texas.

5. Epiphany

Another pleasing sound in the English language? The slightly toned-down “F” sound of a “ph.” Bookended by the “E” sound, “epiphany” refers to a sudden, profound realization or idea.

6. Plethora

How strange that the way we pronounce a word can totally change it. If we said this word as “pleh-thor-a,” it would sound unwieldy and awkward. But “pleh-thor-a” sounds like something being dropped onto a big puffy pillow. It means a very large amount of something, an abundance. Try using beautiful words like these instead of these overused words that just sound boring.

7. Vellichor

There’s a rather regal sound to this word, with the “V” at the beginning, the double-L, and the punctuating “kor” (not “chor”) at the end. Oh, and the meaning? It’s just as cool. It refers to the appealing mystique of an old bookshop.

8. Aurora

The fact that this was chosen as the name of a fairy-tale princess kind of says it all. It was first the name for the Roman goddess of the dawn. But make no mistake—”aurora” isn’t just a proper noun. It also refers to the phenomenon when radiation emissions create a natural display of lights and colors in the sky. (That might be a little more beautiful than the word itself.)

9. Sanguinolency

You may have heard of “sanguine,” which can mean both “happy and hopeful” and “red, flushed, or related to blood.” But that word is small potatoes compared to its almost-extinct cousin “sanguinolency,” which is a way, way nicer way of just saying “something bloody” or “something related to blood.”

10. Petrichor

The “-chor” suffix strikes again! It’s also pronounced “kor” and ends the beautiful word “petrichor,” which refers to the distinctive smell that the air and the ground take on after it rains. Here are some more beautiful rarely used words that we think should make a comeback.

11. Delicacy

While its meaning certainly is pleasant, since it refers to tasty (and often expensive) food, the word itself is just very pleasant-sounding too.

12. Blossoming

It’s such a simple (and fairly common) word that we might forget how beautiful it is, separate from its floral meaning. “Blossom” on its own is lovely, but adding the third syllable with the “ING” makes it into a dactyl—a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed ones, “dah-duh-duh”—which makes it flow that much better.

13. Serendipity

This one’s got a rhythm to it, and the pop of the “D” and the “P” sounds make it just plain fun to say. Case in point: A high-end New York City restaurant chose “Serendipity” as its name. Although they might have been inspired by its meaning, too; it refers to good luck or happy accidents.

14. Abyssopelagic

Just look at this one! While it is, admittedly, less-than-popular in common usage (and a little lengthy), the fun phonetic nuances in this 13-letter doozy make it too grand to ignore. The first five letters might give you a clue to its meaning; it’s an adjective indicating the deep regions of the ocean (or the “abyss”), as in, the “abyssopelagic zone.”

15. Panacea

Here’s another beautiful word with a beautiful meaning. A panacea is something that can heal or cure anything or, more generally, solve any problem. It’s most often used theoretically, as in, “This law might improve things a little, but it’s certainly not a panacea.” It comes from the name of a Greek goddess of (you guessed it) healing.

16. Diaphanous

Here’s another word with a somewhat regal sound. Despite its phonetic oomph, this word actually means “sheer and light; almost transparent” or “delicately hazy.”

17. Languor

Noah Webster and his all-American dictionaries that he compiled shortly after the Revolutionary War put the kibosh on a lot of British spellings, including the “ou” combination in words like “colour” and “flavour.” The “uo” combination is even rarer, which is part of what makes this word so beautiful. “Languor” means lack of energy or vitality, or, more concisely, sluggishness or laziness.

18. Felicity

Here’s another one that’s just plain pretty, as evinced by its use as a girls’ name. And its non-proper-name meaning is just as lovely; it’s synonymous with happiness or bliss, sometimes specifically referring to in a marriage.

19. Limerence

Like a “limerick” but without the rather harsh sound of the “K” on the end, this word is an old-fashioned way to describe intense feelings of obsession or infatuation with another person.

20. Taradiddle

Words don’t get much more fun to say than “taradiddle.” This one is obsolete, sadly, but it means a false statement or bit of nonsense, if you’d like to try to bring it back into the general lexicon. Here are some more fun almost-extinct words that we think people should start using again.

21. Galactic

The phonetic starting-and-stopping that “galactic” requires you to do while saying it might be a different kind of beauty than the lyricism of “epiphany” or “serendipity,” but we still think it deserves a spot on this list because of what a unique combination of sounds it is. “Galactic,” of course, is an adjective referring to galaxies; as such, it can also mean immense or massive.

22. Silhouette

The “ette” sound is another unsung hero of the English language. The word “shadow” is a little abrupt—and shadows in general can be pretty creepy—but there’s a reason replacing it with “silhouette” gives it a more pleasant connotation. That “H” just adds a light gracefulness to it, doesn’t it?

23. Phosphenes

This word, with its double “PH” and its “-es” ending, looks like it should be the name of a Greek god. Its actual meaning is a lot less glamorous; phosphenes are the weird moving illusions you see after you rub your eyes. (Didn’t know those had names, did you?)

24. Incendiary

Seriously, why do we say “flammable” when we could say the much more lyrical-sounding “incendiary”? Of course, “incendiary” can also refer to a more figurative fire; it can mean something that incites agitation or sedition. “Flammable” definitely leaves no doubt.

25. Akimbo

We think “akimbo” would be the funky modern art exhibit to these other words’ elegant landscapes. A delightfully percussive word, “akimbo” is also very specific; it means the position where your hands are on your hips with your elbows out. Here are some more fun words for things you didn’t know had names.

26. Quintessence

You probably know the word “quintessential,” an adjective meaning the purest, most perfect embodiment of something. But have you heard the noun form, “quintessence”? Instead of saying “Jimmy’s is the quintessential American diner,” sneak this beautiful word in by saying “Jimmy’s is the quintessence of small-town American diners.”

27. Elixir

If you thought this was a fictional word created to describe Harry Potter potions, you’d be incorrect! This short-and-sweet word has a little bit of symmetry with the two “I”s surrounding the “X.” (Wouldn’t it somehow be less pleasing if it was “elixer”?) And it does in fact refer to a medicinal or alchemic concoction. See if you can figure out whether these funny words are real or made up.

28. Mellifluous

This one seems at first glance like the perfect melding of “mellow” and “superfluous.” A total treat to say, “mellifluous” actually means “sweetly or smoothly flowing” or “sweet-sounding.” Now that’s a homological word (a word that describes itself)!

29. Syzygy

Yes, this is a real word, and we think the English language is better off for it! And if you thought this word couldn’t get any cooler, it refers to an alignment of celestial bodies or planets. This might be our new favorite word!

30. Quadrivium

Finishing strong with another delightful “Q” word. It’s also an oldie-but-a-goodie—coming directly from Latin, it refers literally to the intersection of four roads, and was adapted in medieval times to refer to the teaching of four essential subjects (arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music).

The 60 Most Beautiful Words in the English Language

While languages like Portuguese and French are known for their romantic words and aesthetically pleasing phrases, there's a lot to say about the beauty of the English language. After all, English has brought us stunning, showstopper words such as incandescent and euphoria, mellifluous and demure. So if you're feeling inclined to increase your vocabulary while making it as easy on the ears as possible, then you're in for a serendipitous treat. For 60 of the most beautiful words in the English language, which are guaranteed to make you absolutely ebullient, read on. And for more words to share with your friends, check out The 30 Funniest Words in the English Language—And How to Use Them.

1. Labyrinth

Do you ever find yourself working on a tedious task with many twists and turns? If you're stuck doing something that's extremely complex, you can call it a labyrinth. Additionally, any maze or place with "intricate passageways" can be described by this word.

2. Ineffable

Sometimes, almost every word fails. When that happens, you can turn to the word "ineffable," which means "unspeakable" or "indescribable." For example, if your feelings about someone are almost impossible to accurately pin down, you can say they're ineffable.

3. Incendiary

Meaning extremely hot or inflammatory, anything that causes a fire is incendiary. However, when used in contexts that aren't related to fire, this word can also describe someone who likes to start quarrels.

4. Ephemeral

Things that don't last forever are ephemeral. From conversations to arguments, some things just tend to be short-lived, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

5. Cynosure

Back in the 17th century, the word cynosure was used to describe the northern constellation, Ursa Minor. And while this is still the case now, Merriam-Webster additionally notes that anyone who is the "center of attention" or "serves to guide" is cynosure.

6. Propinquity

Similar to the term proximity, the word "propinquity" is another way to talk about someone who lives near you. Aside from your next-door neighbors and roommates, it can also refer to "nearness of relation," in terms of kinship.

7. Infatuation

Do you have a really strong desire to be near or know more about someone, you may have an infatuation. You can also use the term to describe your non-human obsession of the moment, whether it's a TV show or your new puppy.

8. Incandescent

While the word "incandescent" is one way to talk about the electric lamps in your living room, it can also be used in reference to the brightness or someone's intellect or personality.

Sachiczko/Shutterstock

9. Eudaemonia

Originated from the Greek word "eudaimon," the word "eudaemonia" means the state of being lucky or happy. If you're in a state of general well-being or feeling great joy, this is one way to express it.

10. Raconteur

Are you good at telling a story? Then you can start telling your friends that you're a raconteur. Even if you're not the best storyteller, it's still a fun word to say.

11. Petrichor

The Greek words for "stone" and the "ethereal blood of the gods" combine to give us a perfectly beautiful term for the way the earth smells after it rains. Scientists have spent decades trying to determine exactly why that smell is so pleasing; in fact, two are credited for coining "petrichor" in a 1964 Nature article.

12. Sumptuous

Meaning "extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent," the word "sumptuous" can be used to describe anything from a five-star vacation to your favorite fluffy blanket.

13. Angst

If you've woken up with a prevailing sense of anxiety about how the day will go, you could say you're experiencing some angst. It's not a pleasant feeling, but the word for it, which dates back to the eighth century, does have a certain soothing sound.

14. Aesthete

An aesthete, according to Merriam-Webster, is "one having or affecting sensitivity to the beautiful especially in art." You might be one if you're frequently moved by sculptures and paintings…or if you pretend to be for the sake of other people. Either way, the word is a joy to say.

15. Nadir

An astronomical term that's been co-opted for colloquial usage, nadir means the lowest point, as in the "nadir of her popularity." Its opposite term, zenith, has a similar appeal.

16.

Miraculous

That which seemed impossible or at least incredibly unlikely without the influence of some supernatural force can be described as "miraculous." Maybe that's the birth of a child or being able to carry on a morning conversation before a cup of coffee.

17. Lassitude

Suffering from a lack of energy? Describe your tiredness—whether it's in your body, your mind, or both—with this term, and at least it will sound prettier.

18. Gossamer

One of several definitions of this word, per Dictionary.com, is "a fine, filmy cobweb seen on grass or bushes or floating in the air in calm weather, especially in autumn." It's thought to have come from the Middle English term gosesummer, "possibly first used as name for late, mild autumn, a time when goose was a favorite dish." But it can also be used to refer to anything thin and airy, from a summer shawl to the wings of a butterfly.

Shutterstock/Anelo

19. Bungalow

Bungalow is a cozy word for a specific type of house: usually one that's either a single story or two stories with a sloping roof. Though there may be additional criteria depending on where in the world you're using the term.

20. Scintilla

Not to be confused with those furry crepuscular rodents, scintilla means a spark or a trace of something. Perhaps you feel a scintilla of guilt after eating the last cookie, or experience a scintilla of attraction to someone you just met.

21. Aurora

Originally the name of the Roman goddess of sunrise, the word aurora is now used to describe the dawn, as well as the stunning luminous phenomenon that takes place in the upper atmosphere of a planet's magnetic polar regions. For example, you may have a trip to see the Aurora Borealis as an item on your bucket list.

22. Inure

Not all beautiful words have beautiful meanings. The word inure means to accept or grow accustomed to something undesirable. For example, your family's constant criticism could inure you to toxic behavior from loved ones.

23. Mellifluous

This lyrical word refers to something that is sweet and enjoyable, especially when it comes to sound. You might find the early spring sounds of chirping birds to be quite mellifluous.

24. Euphoria

Derived from the Greek word for healthy, the word euphoria is now used to describe an intense feeling of happiness or elation. A sense of euphoria may be the result of a fortunate turn of events or an indescribable personal high.

25. Serendipity

You've probably experienced this phenomenon more than you realize—remember that time you went on a coffee run and stumbled upon the best chocolate cake your city has to offer? Or when you were cleaning your home and found those earrings you thought were gone years ago? Those happy coincidences are all cases of serendipity.

26. Cherish

The word cherish means to hold dear or cultivate with care and affection. Whether that's your family, your home, or your most prized possession (or all three!), everyone has someone or something that they cherish.

27. Demure

One of our favorite beautiful words, demure is used to describe any modest and reserved behavior. Etymologists believe it may have been derived from the Anglo-French verb demorer or demourer, which means "to linger."

28. Elixir

If you're well-versed in the world of Harry Potter, you probably associate this word with the elixir of life derived from the Sorcerer's Stone. In the 17th century, alchemists believed it was possible to create an elixir that would turn base metals to stone and allow people to live forever. Today, the word is used to identify a substance that's capable of changing base metals into gold. You might also use it to describe that cocktail you just whipped up at your home bar.

Shutterstock/Chamille White

29. Eternity

Forever; always; a limitless time. These are just some ways to describe the endless and sometimes frightening idea of eternity.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

30. Felicity

This one's just another word for a state of happiness. For example, you might find yourself in a state of felicity the next time you're surrounded by people you love.

31. Languor

Another beautiful word with a not-so-beautiful definition, languor refers to lethargy or weakness in body and mind. You might experience this phenomenon when you've been working too many hours and are starting to hit burnout. All that means is it's time to use that PTO!

32. Love

There's way more than one definition for this feeling, action, phenomenon (etc, etc). But we can all agree that the word love is as beautiful as everything it describes.

33. Solitude

If you're an extrovert, then solitude may not be ideal. But if you're an introvert, you'll probably enjoy and seek out solitude, or the act of being alone and away from society.

34. Epiphany

While there are several meanings of this word, most people associate an epiphany with a life-changing realization. You'll find examples of these in your favorite books and movies, such as the classic scene in Clueless when Cher realizes she's "majorly, totally, butt-crazy in love" with her stepbrother Josh.

35. Quintessential

Have you ever met someone who embodies all of the characteristics of the city they're from or the career path they've chosen? Then you might have come across someone who is perfectly typical, otherwise known as quintessential. Snacking on strawberries and cream while sipping a Pimm's Cup at Wimbledon? That's so quintessentially British!

36. Plethora

This word has two definitions—one beautiful and one not so beautiful. While plethora is most commonly associated with having an abundance of something (close your eyes and picture a plethora of disposable income!), it's also a medical word that's used to describe increased blood in a specific area.

37. Nemesis

As beautifully as this word rolls off of the tongue, it is associated with a rival or arch-enemy and can be used to describe inflicting an act of vengeance. That friend-of-a-friend who grinds your gears every time he comes to Friday night drinks? He might be your nemesis.

Shutterstock/Just dance

38.

Lithe

One syllable and full of grace, the word lithe is used to characterize flexibility and a slim figure. For example, you may have noticed the lithe ballerinas when you attended a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime.

39. Tranquility

Hopefully, you'll achieve a state of tranquility on your next beach vacation. This is just another word for being free from agitation of mind or spirit.

40. Elegance

Another word that sounds exactly the way it's defined, elegance is a quality of style and grace.

41. Renaissance

Whether you're referring to your own personal revival in life or the transitional period between the 14th and 17th centuries, the word renaissance will roll off the tongue and fulfill all of your aesthetically pleasing linguistic needs.

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42. Eloquence

A quality found in the most skillful politicians, this word refers to persuasive expressiveness. Look out for eloquence in the 2020 presidential debates—which candidate's eloquence will win your vote?

43. Sequoia

These larger than life trees can be found throughout California, particularly in their namesake national park in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Having a hard time differentiating between a sequoia and a redwood (or the Sequoia National Park and the Redwood National and State Parks)? Here's an easy way to differentiate: if you're on the coast, then you're probably looking up at a redwood; if you're inland, then you've definitely found yourself in the presence of a sequoia.

44. Peace

Ever versatile, the word peace can refer to a state of mind, freedom from civil disturbances, or a time without war.

45. Lullaby

There isn't a better word to describe a soothing melody to get your child to sleep. But this word isn't reserved for babies—it can also be used as a verb meaning to quiet with or as with a lullaby.

46. Paradox

The beginning of the end. Youth is wasted on the young. These are both examples of paradox, or a statement that seemingly contradicts itself.

47. Pristine

This beautiful word seems to sparkle—and that's fitting, since pristine means "fresh and clean or as if new."

Shutterstock/Syda Productions

48. Effervescent

Here's a clever new way to describe the bubbly can-do person around your office. Instead of merely calling them fun to be around, you could take things up a notch and say they have an effervescent personality. That simply means they have an appealingly lively quality.

49. Opulence

Do you dream of owning a mansion in Beverly Hills with a Maserati in the driveway and regular shopping trips on Rodeo Drive? Then you might be pining for a life of opulence. Keep on grinding!

50. Ethereal

This light and airy word might remind you of celestial bodies. Ethereal can refer to the upper regions of space as well as anything that is heavenly and unworldly seeming.

51.

Sanguine

A complicated and beautiful word, sanguine comes with several meanings. It's typically used as a synonym for optimism, but it can also describe a blood-red hue or something relating to blood.

52. Panacea

Panacea means all-healing in Greek and, fittingly, Panacea was the Greek goddess of healing. Today, the word is used to refer to something that could fix everything. Imagine a remedy for all of the problems you face on a daily basis—that would be a panacea.

53. Bodacious

While this word is often used to describe a body's curves, bodacious can also be used to describe something that is remarkable or admirable. For example, a person might have a bodacious energy or a home might have bodacious decor.

54. Axiom

An axiom is a statement that is widely accepted as true. For example, from the Declaration of Independence—"we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. " These "truths" could also be described as axioms.

55. Silhouette

Depending on the situation, seeing a silhouette—or the outline of a figure—may be beautiful or spooky. For example, seeing the silhouette of a young couple on a park bench is lovely, but if you see a shadowy silhouette in a house you thought was empty, then you might want to run away.

Shutterstock/Viktor Gladkov

56. Surreptitious

This word means to act clandestinely or to do or acquire something by stealth. For example, that person at your job who always seems to be working on a secret project might be considered surreptitious.

57. Ingenue

You'll find examples of this word in classic literature, film, and television. Naive and innocent female characters such as Sandy at the start of Grease and Ophelia from Hamlet are examples of ingenues.

58. Dulcet

This dainty word is another one that seems to describe exactly what it sounds like—which is anything that is generally pleasing. For example, you may have recently listened to particularly dulcet music or indulged in a dulcet chocolate cake.

59. Tryst

This crisp word is usually used to describe a somewhat discreet meeting between two lovers. While technically defined as any sort of meeting or appointment (not necessarily with romantic motivations), you probably don't want to refer to the next meeting at your office as a "tryst".

60. Ebullience

A beautiful word that's probably best used to describe a litter of golden retriever puppies, ebullience is the quality of excitement and enthusiasm.

And for how English is used in different regions of the U.S., here are 60 Words People Pronounce Differently Across America.

The most beautiful and unusual words in the English language

Using words that are pleasant to the ear makes speech more melodic and smooth. Beautiful words attract attention, sometimes even imperceptibly to the listener. Many speakers try to use euphonious words in their speeches in order to hook the audience. Oddly enough, it always works. Therefore, beautiful English words have a place not only in fiction, but also in everyday speech.

Today we will talk about what words are considered beautiful in English, how they are translated and what they mean. As a bonus, we will learn unusual words that are used by foreigners in everyday speech and have no analogues in the Russian language.

Beautiful words in English with translation

Many foreign words sound beautiful and pleasant both for native speakers themselves and for those who hear them from outside. It is these mellifluous [meˈlɪfluəs] words, that is, mellifluous words, that we will study today.

In 2004, over 40,000 people were surveyed to find out which English words they found most euphonious. The survey involved people for whom English is not their native language. Here are the 10 words that topped the list:

Mother [ˈmʌðə(r)]
Passion [ˈpæʃ(ə)n] - passion
Smile [smʌɪl] - smile
Love [lʌv] - love
Eternity [ɪˈtɜː(r)nəti] - eternity
Fantastic [fænˈtæstɪk] - fantastic
Destiny [ˈdestini] - destiny
Freedom [ˈfriːdəm] - freedom
Liberty [ˈlɪbə(r)ti] - freedom
Tranquility [trænˈkwɪlɪti] - tranquility

Later, Reader's Digest editor and renowned lexicologist Wilfred Funk conducted his own research to identify the most beautiful words in the English language. Interestingly, the list includes many words related to nature and wildlife. Here is his personal list:

Asphodel [ˈasfədɛl] - narcissus
Fawn [fɔːn] - deer
Dawn [dɔːn] - dawn
Chalice [ˈtʃælɪs] - bowl
Anemone [əˈneməni] - anemone
Tranquil [ˈtraŋkwɪl] - calm
Hush [hʌʃ] - silence
Golden [ˈɡəʊld(ə)n] - golden
Halcyon [ˈhælsiən] - serene
Camellia [kəˈmiːliə] - camellia
Bobolink [ˈbɒbəlɪŋk] - rice bird
Thrush [θrʌʃ]
Chimes [tʃaɪm] - chimes, chime
Murmuring [ˈməːmərɪŋ] - murmuring, mumbling
Lullaby [ˈlʌləbʌɪ] - lullaby
Luminous [ˈluːmɪnəs] - luminous
Damask [ˈdaməsk] - damask
Cerulean [sɪˈruːlɪən] - azure
Melody [ˈmɛlədi] - melody
Marigold [ˈmærɪˌɡəʊld] - marigolds
Jonquil [ˈdʒɒŋkwɪl] - narcissus, bright yellow canary
Oriole [ˈɔːrɪəʊl] - Oriole
Tendril [ˈtendrəl] — curl, tendril
Myrrh [mɜː(r)] - myrrh
Mignonette [ˌmɪnjəˈnɛt] - French lace
Gossamer [ˈɡɒsəmə] - autumn gossamer
Mist [mɪst] - haze
Oleander [ˌəʊliˈændə(r)] - oleander
Amaryllis [ˌaməˈrɪlɪs] - amaryllis
Rosemary [ˈrəʊzməri] - rosemary

There are no exact criteria for why this or that word can be considered beautiful. When choosing such words, one can be guided only by their pleasant sound, but not always by the meaning. Oddly enough, some words that sound great, when translated, do not mean the best things.

For example, the word rebellion [rɪˈbeljən] means rebellion or disobedience, and the sonorous word nefarious [nɪˈfɛːrɪəs] is translated into Russian as “low” or “vile”.

However, there are not many such words. In English, there are enough words that are beautiful to the ear, which are also translated exquisitely. Most of these sophisticated [səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd] words (refined words) are associated with universe [ˈjuːnɪvɜː(r)s] (universe) and other beautiful things that surround us.

Aurora [ɔːˈrɔːrə] - northern lights
Bumblebee [bʌmb(ə)lˌbiː] - bumblebee
Butterfly [ˈbʌtə(r)ˌflaɪ] - butterfly
Constellation [ˌkɒnstəˈleɪʃ(ə)n] - constellation
Galaxy [ˈɡæləksi] - galaxy
Meadow [ˈmɛdəʊ] - glade, meadow
Sunshine [ˈsʌnˌʃaɪn] - sunlight, sunshine (as an appeal to a loved one)
Sweetheart [ˈswiːthɑːt] - dear, beloved (appeal to a loved one)

In addition to concrete nouns, many abstract concepts in the English language are denoted by beautiful words. These words were coined during the evolution of man, his cultural development and improvement of the inner world. People wanted to express their multifaceted feelings in words, and sometimes they did it beautifully:

Betrayal [bɪˈtreɪəl] - betrayal
Behavior [bɪˈheɪvjə] - behavior
Consequences [ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz] - consequences
Delicacy [ˈdɛlɪkəsi] - sophistication
Desire [dɪˈzaɪə(r)] - desire
Eloquence [ˈɛləkwəns] - eloquence
Epiphany [ɪˈpɪfəni] - moment of revelation, insight
Faith [feɪθ] - faith
Guilt [ɡɪlt] - wine
Infinity [ɪnˈfɪnəti] - infinity
Innuendo [ˌɪnjuˈendəʊ] - insinuation, allusion
Inspiration [ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃ(ə)n] - inspiration
Oblivion [əˈblɪvɪən] - oblivion
Perfection [pə(r)ˈfekʃ(ə)n] - perfection
Pronunciation [prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃ(ə)n] —
Reconciliation [ˌrɛk(ə)nsɪlɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n] — reconciliation
Sadness [ˈsædnəs] - sadness
Solitude [ˈsɒləˌtjuːd] - solitude, loneliness
Success [səkˈsɛs] - success

According to native speakers themselves, one of the most beautiful phrases in English is cellar door [ˈselə dɔː], which translates as “door to the basement”. It is said that this was one of the favorite phrases of the writer Edgar Allan Poe, which he called "extremely musical."

There are many words in the English language that convey a whole range of emotions or phenomena. The English often express their thoughts quite capaciously and the appearance of such words is not the most surprising phenomenon.

For example, in English there is a beautiful word phosphene [ˈfɒsfiːn], which means multi-colored circles in front of closed eyes when we press on them with our fingers.

There is also the word defenestration [ˌdiːfɛnɪˈstreɪʃ(ə)n], which is not translated literally, but means “the act of throwing someone or something out of a window”.

The word sonder [ˈsɔn.dər] means the moment when you realize that passers-by have the same rich and complex life as you do.

Hiraeth [‘hiraɪθ] denotes a deep sense of homesickness and nostalgia for one's homeland. And somnambulist [sɒmˈnambjʊlɪst] is a sleepwalker, that is, a person who walks in his sleep.

The word effervescence [ˌɛfəˈvɛs(ə)ns] can be translated into Russian as “effervescence” or “the process of release of gas bubbles from a liquid (champagne or soda)”. The beautiful word petrichor [ˈpɛtrʌɪkɔː] denotes the elusive smell of rain that is felt in the air. And a slight murmur or rustle can be expressed with the word susurrus [ˈsuːsərəs].

Borrowed from Spanish, duende [duːˈɛndeɪ] denotes the ability of a work of art to touch the human soul. But the word gezellig [ɣəˈzɛləx], which came into English from Dutch, means that indescribable feeling of warmth and comfort when you are close to loved ones.

One of the most famous borrowed words - doppelganger [ˈdɒp(ə)lˌɡæŋə(r)] is translated as a double. It appeared in English from German.

In English there is a word denouement [deɪˈnuːmɒ̃] borrowed from French. It denotes a denouement or outcome. In other words, completion.

And of course, there are many sonorous (sonorous) adjectives in English. For example, the word ineffable [ɪnˈɛfəb(ə)l] means something big and great that cannot be expressed in suitable words. And ethereal [ɪˈθɪəriəl] is something unearthly, sublime, as if not from this world. Also, something unearthly or alien can be described by the word extraterrestrial [ˌɛkstrətəˈrɛstrɪəl] Other beautiful adjectives:

Demure [dɪˈmjʊə(r)] – chaste
Dissembling [dɪˈsɛmbəlɪŋ] - hypocritical, pretending
Fabulous [ˈfæbjʊləs] - incredible
Gorgeous [ˈɡɔː(r)dʒəs] - magnificent, beautiful
Hilarious [hɪˈlɛːrɪəs] - hilarious
Insatiable [ɪnˈseɪʃəb(ə)l] - insatiable
Magnificent [maɡˈnɪfɪs(ə)nt] - magnificent, majestic
Naive [nʌɪˈiːv] - naive
Pure [pjʊə(r)] - pure, immaculate
Sempiternal [ˌsɛmpɪˈtəːn(ə)l] - eternal
Twinkling [ˈtwɪŋk (ə) lɪŋ] - flickering, sparkling
Unbelievable [ˌʌnbɪˈliːvəb(ə)l] - unbelievable
Wonderful [ˈwʌndə(r)f(ə)l] - wonderful, wonderful

Unusual words in English

Which word does not repeat any letter, and which long word has only one vowel? Find out below:

Almost (almost) - in this word, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order. Also, as in the word aegilops, which means the aegilops plant.

But in the word strengths (advantages, strengths) - only one vowel for eight consonants.

The word uncopyrightable does not repeat any letter. But in the word indivisibility (indivisibility) the vowel i is repeated as many as five times.

By the way, the longest word in English pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is related to medicine and has 45 letters. It was deliberately coined and in practice is replaced by the shorter word silicosis (silicosis), which means lung disease caused by inhalation of dust particles containing silicon.

The English themselves joke when they ask what is the longest word in the English language. The correct answer is smiles (smiles). After all, from the first letter s to the last s - a whole mile (mile).

English words that are not in the Russian language

Cultural phenomena or striking character traits often give rise to new words. Such phrases are quickly borrowed around the world and find use in colloquial speech. Here is some of them:

Coffee face (coffee face) - the face of a person who has not yet drunk coffee.

To computer face (computerized face) - make a focused and tense face, looking at the monitor screen so that other people think that you are very busy with work. Book hangover

First world problems (problems of the first world) - some difficulties experienced by a person in a developed society that would seem strange to people from third world countries. For example, unstable Wi-Fi or bad foam on a cappuccino.

iFinger is a finger that is left clean so that you can use your smartphone while eating.

Gloatgram (Hvastogram) is an account on the social network Instagram, in which the author posts only photos from travels or moments of luxurious life to the envy of friends.

Like shock is a big surprise that your post on social media got a huge number of likes.

Cyberchondriac (Cyberchondriac) - a person who finds symptoms of a disease in himself and begins to frantically search the Internet for information about them.

Baggravation - feeling of anxiety at the airport when the baggage of all passengers has already arrived, but yours has not yet left the transport belt.

Screenager is a teenager who spends most of his time on his smartphone or computer. A combination of the words teenager (teenager) and screen (screen).

Other words and phrases in English that are not in Russian

Earworm (literally: earworm) is an obsessive melody or song that sounds in the head and is difficult to get rid of.
Closet music (literally: music in the closet) is the music that we listen to alone and for some reason do not want our friends to know that we love it.
Wallflower (literally: a flower against the wall) is a shy person who does not dance at a party.
Refrigerator rights (literally: refrigerator rights) - this expression means a close relationship with someone.
Football widow (literally: football widow) - this is the name of the wives whose husbands go headlong into watching football during important matches.
Siblings is a common name for siblings. In Russian, we separate them by gender, but in English you can use one word.
Grandparents - grandparents, also without reference to gender. Although the Russian language has the word "parents" (parents), we do not have a word for the general designation of grandparents.
Serendipity - the ability of a person to draw deep conclusions from random observations. This word is also used as "happy accident". For example, in the sentence They found each other by pure serendipity (They found each other by a lucky chance).

It is interesting that some Russian words do not have a simple translation into English. So, we have the word "boiling water", which in English is expressed by the phrase boiling water (boiling water), and the word "day", which can be translated as day (day), but this will not be entirely true. What is a day for a Russian person, for an Englishman is twenty-four hours (twenty-four hours).

Now you know not only the most beautiful words in the English language, but also some stable modern expressions that will help make speech more vivid and varied.

100 most beautiful English words

There are some words that are just nice to say! They sound beautiful and literally caress the ear.

Do you want to enjoy the harmony of the English language? We offer you the 100 most beautiful words in English:

1. Desire [ dɪˈzaɪə ] - desire;
2. Glory [ ˈglɔːri ] - glory;
3. Pumpkin [ ˈpʌmpkɪn ] – pumpkin;
4. Experience [ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns ] - experience;
5. Reconciliation [ ˌrɛkənsɪlɪˈeɪʃən ] – reconciliation;
6. Astonishing [ əsˈtɒnɪʃɪŋ ] – amazing;
7. Lassitude [ ˈlæsɪtuːd ] - fatigue;
8. Sophisticate [ səˈfɪstɪkeɪt ] - give refinement, fake;
9. Aura [ ˈɔːrə ] - aura, atmosphere;
10. Rebellion [ rɪˈbɛljən ] – rebellion;

11. Tranquility [ træŋˈkwɪlɪti ] - calmness;
12. Sunrise [ ˈsʌnraɪz ] – sunrise;
13. Sunset [ ˈsʌnsɛt ] – sunset;
14. Fabulous [ ˈfæbjʊləs ] – incredible, legendary;
15. Meadow [ ˈmɛdəʊ ] – glade;
16. Reflection [ rɪˈflɛkʃən ] – reflection;
17. Passion [ ˈpæʃən ] - passion;
18. Umbrella [ ʌmˈbrɛlə ] – umbrella;
19. Lollipop [ ˈlɒlɪpɒp ] - lollipop;
20. Vertigo [ ˈvəːtɪɡəʊ ] – dizziness;

21. Euphoria [ juːˈfɔːrɪə ] – euphoria;
22. Perfection [ pəˈfɛkʃən ] – perfection;
23. Constellation [ˌkɒnstəˈleɪʃ(ə)n] – constellation;
24. Demure [ dɪˈmjʊə ] - modest, restrained;
25. Gorgeous [ ˈgɔːʤəs ] – delightful;
26. Sweetheart [ ˈswiːthɑːt ] – cute;
27. Butterfly [ ˈbʌtəflaɪ ] - butterfly;
28. Quintessential [ ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)l ] – basic, most essential;
29. Unique [ juːˈniːk ] – unique;
30. Eloquence [ ˈeləkwəns ] – eloquence;

31. Incredible [ ɪnˈkrɛdəbl ] – incredible;
32. Inspiration [ ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃən ] – inspiration;
33. Equestrian [ ɪˈkwɛstrɪən ] – rider, equestrian;
34. Infinity [ ɪnˈfɪnɪti ] - infinity;
35. Faith [ feɪθ ] – faith;
36. Hope [ həʊp ] - hope;
37. Love [ lʌv ] - love;
38. Consequences [ ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz ] – circumstances;
39. Extraterrestrial [ ˌɛkstrətɪˈrɛstrɪəl ] – extraterrestrial;
40. Oblivion [ əˈblɪvɪən ] - oblivion;

41. Dandelion [ ˈdændɪlaɪən ] – dandelion;
42. Innuendo [ ɪnju(ː)ˈɛndəʊ ] – hint;
43. Pray [ preɪ ] – prayer;
44. Paradise [ ˈpærədaɪs ] – paradise;
45. Imaginary [ ɪˈmæʤɪnəri ] – imagination;
46. Pleasure [ ˈplɛʒə ] – pleasure;
47. Measure [ ˈmɛʒə ] – measure;
48. Elegance [ ˈɛlɪɡ(ə)ns ] - grace, sophistication;
49. Simultaneously [ ˌsɪməlˈteɪnjəsli ] – simultaneously;
50. Destination [ ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən ] – destination;

51. Pristine [ ˈprɪstiːn ] – untouched, original;
52. Skyscraper [ ˈskaɪˌskreɪpə ] – skyscraper;
53. Magnificent [ mægˈnɪfɪsnt ] – magnificent;
54. Miracle [ ˈmɪrəkl ] – miracle;
55. Pronunciation [ prəˌnʌnsɪˈeɪʃən ] – pronunciation;
56. Hurricane [ ˈhʌrɪkən ] - hurricane;
57. Lullaby [ ˈlʌləbaɪ ] – lullaby;
58. Jubilation [ ˌʤuːbɪˈleɪʃən ] – rejoicing;
59. Reliable [ rɪˈlaɪəbl ] - reliable;
60. Lightning [ ˈlʌɪtnɪŋ ] – lightning;

61. Universe [ ˈjuːnɪvɜːs ] – universe;
62. Volcano [ vɒlˈkeɪnəʊ ] – volcano;
63. Rise [ raɪz ] – to ascend;
64. Pure [ pjʊə ] – pure;
65. Amazing [ əˈmeɪzɪŋ ] – beautiful;
66. Forever [ fəˈrɛvə ] – forever;
67. Believe [ bɪˈliːv ] – believe;
68. Wonderful [ ˈwʌndəfʊl ] - wonderful, amazing;
69. Indivisibility [ ˌɪndɪˈvɪzəbəl ] – indivisibility;
70. Illicit [ ɪˈlɪsɪt ] – illegal, prohibited;

71. Petrichor [ ˈpet.rɪ.kɔːr ] – the smell of the earth after rain;
72. Aurora [ əˈrôrə ] – dawn;
73. Dalliance [ ˈdalɪəns ] - flirting;
74. Evanescent [ ˌevəˈnesnt ] – fleeting, infinitely small;
75. Lagoon [ ləˈɡuːn ] – lagoon;
76. Destiny [ ˈdɛstɪni ] - fate, destiny;
77. Nemesis [ˈnɛmɪsɪs] - retribution, fate;
78. Surrender [ səˈrɛndə ] - surrender, capitulate;
79. Blossom [ ˈblɒs(ə)m ] - flowering, flourishing;
80. Galaxy [ ˈɡæləksi ] – galaxy;

81. Humanity [ ˈhju(ː)ˈmænɪti ] – humanity;
82. Disclosure [ dɪsˈkləʊʒə ] – disclosure;
83. Unfortunately [ ʌnˈfɔːʧnɪtli ] – unfortunately;
84. Liberty [ ˈlɪbəti ] – freedom;
85. Library [ ˈlaɪbrəri ] – library;
86. Beautiful [ ˈbjuːtəfʊl ] – beautiful;
87. Betrayal [ bɪˈtreɪəl ] – betrayal;
88. Grateful [ ˈgreɪtfʊl ] – grateful;
89. Unbelievable [ ˌʌnbɪˈliːvəbl ] – unbelievable;
90. Naive [ nɑːˈiːv ] – naive;

91. Twinkling [ ˈtwɪŋk(ə)lɪŋ ] – twinkling;
92. Behavior [ bɪˈheɪvjə ]
93.