How Do You Spell MELVILLE?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛlvɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Melville" is a bit tricky for non-native English speakers. The word is pronounced /ˈmɛlvɪl/ (MEL-vil), with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" after "l" is pronounced as a schwa /ə/, making the first syllable sound like "mel." The "v" is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative /v/. The "ille" at the end is pronounced as /ɪl/, which sounds like "ill." So, the correct spelling of the word “Melville” reflects pronunciation fairly accurately.

MELVILLE Meaning and Definition

1. Melville is a proper noun that refers to different entities and is most commonly associated with the American writer Herman Melville. However, "melville" can also have other contexts and meanings.

   In its primary usage, "Melville" refers to Herman Melville (1819-1891), an influential nineteenth-century American author. Melville is best known for his renowned literary works, notably the novel Moby-Dick (1851), which tells the story of the obsessive Captain Ahab's hunt for the white whale, Moby Dick. Melville's writing often explores existential themes, human nature, and morality, establishing him as one of the key figures in American literature.

   Outside the literary realm, "Melville" may also refer to various geographical locations. For instance, Melville is the name of a suburb located on Long Island, New York, and it is also a town in Saskatchewan, Canada. These locations are named after historical figures or to honor Herman Melville himself.

   In a broader sense, "melville" can also be used in a general context to refer to the Melville surname, which has its origins in France and Scotland. The surname originally comes from the Old French term "mal ville," meaning "bad village" or "ill town," but over time has become dissociated from its original meaning.

   Overall, "Melville" primarily references Herman Melville, the iconic American writer, but it also encompasses geographical locations and denotes a surname of diverse origins and interpretations.

Common Misspellings for MELVILLE

• meville
• melvolle
• melilte
• meraville
• Merveille
• pellille
• mervilla
• Mercille
• Malvinae
• Milvilee

Etymology of MELVILLE

The surname "Melville" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old French name "Malleville", which means "bad town" or "evil town". The root of the name comes from the combination of "mal", meaning "bad" or "evil", and "ville" meaning "town" or "settlement". Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved and variations such as "Malville" and "Meaville" have been used. The name "Melville" is also associated with a notable Scottish family who played a prominent role in Scottish and British history. The family originated from the village of Les Moitiers d'Allonne in Normandy, France, which was named "Malleville" before being anglicized to "Melville" after their migration to Scotland.

Similar spelling word for MELVILLE

• mellifluous.