How many syllables in “melancholy”?
syllables in "melancholy"
Word details
Syllables
4
me · lan · cho · ly
Letters
10
m · e · l · a · n · c · h · o · l · y
Scrabble
20
points
Scrabble letter values
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About the word “melancholy”
The word “melancholy” contains 4 syllables, divided as me · lan · cho · ly. It has 10 letters.
FAQ
How many syllables does "melancholy" have?
"melancholy" has 4 syllables.
How do you divide "melancholy" into syllables?
"melancholy" is divided into syllables as: me · lan · cho · ly.
What is the Scrabble score for "melancholy"?
The Scrabble score for "melancholy" is 20 points.
Using “melancholy” in writing
Four-syllable words like "melancholy" (me · lan · cho · ly) span two full iambic feet. In a line of iambic pentameter (10 syllables), a four-syllable word takes nearly half the line, making it a powerful anchor. Use it deliberately — multi-syllable words slow the reader down and add weight.
In word games
In Scrabble and Words With Friends, “melancholy” is worth 20 base points before any board multipliers. That's a high-scoring word — prioritize double or triple word score squares to maximize your turn.