Melow vs. Mellow: Which is the Correct Spelling?

"Melow" is an incorrect spelling of the word "mellow."
"Mellow" is an adjective describing something that is relaxed, gentle, or smooth in character, flavor, or mood.

For example...

❌ The sunset cast a melow glow over the beach, creating a serene atmosphere.

✅ The sunset cast a mellow glow over the beach, creating a serene atmosphere.

In this sentence, "mellow" describes the gentle and soothing quality of the glow cast by the sunset, enhancing the relaxed and tranquil mood of the beach scene.

What does "mellow" mean?

"Mellow" typically describes something that is relaxed, smooth, gentle, or matured, whether it be in character, flavor, or mood.

A relaxed or easy-going demeanor or atmosphere: In this sense, it refers to a state of calmness, tranquility, or contentment. For example, a person may be described as "mellow" if they exhibit a laid-back and unruffled attitude towards life's stresses. Similarly, a setting or environment can be deemed "mellow" if it exudes a serene and peaceful ambiance, conducive to relaxation and unwinding. Such usage often implies a lack of tension or urgency, evoking feelings of comfort and ease.
The smoothness or softness of a texture or flavor: When applied to taste or aroma, it suggests a gentle, subtle, and well-rounded quality, often associated with matured or ripened characteristics. For instance, a wine may be described as "mellow" if it possesses a harmonious blend of flavors, lacking harshness or acidity.
A sense of maturity or mellowness in personality or behavior: This usage of "mellow" refers to a person's development over time, marked by a gradual softening of edges, increased wisdom, and a tempered outlook on life.

Melow vs. Mellow: Which is the Correct Spelling?

The use of "melow" and "mellow" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "melow" and "mellow" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Melow" has seen steady use throughout time, peaking in the 1860s before declining, while its misspelling "mellow" has always seen nearly zero use.

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How to pronounce "mellow"

In both British and American English, "mellow" is pronounced like "meh·low".

Additional notes:
This is just the standard pronunciation, and there may be slight variations depending on regional accents and individual speech patterns.

Why would we misspell "mellow" as "melow"?

Phonetic confusion: "Mellow" and "melow" sound similar when spoken, leading to potential confusion in spelling.
Typographical error: One "l" may be inadvertently omitted while typing quickly, resulting in the misspelling "melow".

Other common misspellings of "mellow"

melloww
mello
melllow
meloww
meloww

Example sentences of the misspelling of "mellow" as "melow"

"Melow" is an incorrect spelling; it should be "mellow".
Please note the spelling error; it's "mellow," not "melow".
Be mindful of your spelling; the accurate term is "mellow," not "melow".
Double-check your writing; the proper form is "mellow," not "melow".
Your document contains a typo; it should say "mellow," not "melow".

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Example sentences of "suggestion"

The jazz music created a mellow ambiance in the cozy cafe.
After a long day, she enjoyed relaxing in a mellow bath scented with lavender.
The aging process of wine can produce a mellow and smooth flavor.
The soft, mellow lighting in the room made it perfect for unwinding after work.
His voice took on a mellow tone as he recounted fond memories from his childhood.
The autumn afternoon was warm and mellow, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
As the sun set, the sky turned a mellow shade of pink and orange.
The artist used mellow colors to evoke a sense of calm and tranquility in the painting.
She appreciated the mellow atmosphere of the old bookstore, with its creaky wooden floors and soft lighting.
The taste of the ripe peach was mellow and sweet, with a hint of tanginess.

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Synonyms for "mellow"

Relaxed
Smooth
Soft
Mild
Easy-going

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References:

Definition of MELLOW

tender and sweet because of ripeness; well aged and pleasingly mild; made gentle by age or experience… See the full definition

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Melow vs. Mellow: Which is the Correct Spelling?

What does "mellow" mean?

The use of "melow" and "mellow" over time

How to pronounce "mellow"

Why would we misspell "mellow" as "melow"?

Other common misspellings of "mellow"

Example sentences of the misspelling of "mellow" as "melow"

Example sentences of "suggestion"

Synonyms for "mellow"

Want to sound like a native speaker?

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