to mellow

/ˈmɛɫoʊ/

Definition & Meaning of "mellow"in English

to mellow

VERB

(of a color) to become softer and less vibrant, particularly over a period of time

dim

dull

fade

Intransitive

Examples

Over time, the paint on the wooden door had mellowed, giving it a charming, aged look.

to bring something to a more relaxed or subdued state

damp

ease

soften

temper

Transitive: to mellow sth

Grammatical Information

Composition

Simple

Action verb

Regular

Present tense

mellow

3rd person singular

mellows

Present participle

mellowing

Past simple

mellowed

Past participle

mellowed

Examples

After the stressful meeting, she took a few deep breaths to mellow her anxiety.

to become softer, more relaxed, or less intense

Intransitive

Examples

As the evening wore on, the party atmosphere mellowed, and guests settled into comfortable conversations.

to make a color less bright or vibrant

dim

Transitive: to mellow a color

Examples

The continuous exposure to sunlight is currently mellowing the hues of the painting.

mellow

ADJECTIVE

slightly affected by alcohol

tipsy

merry

Grammatical Information

Composition

Simple

qualitative

Superlative

mellowest

Comparative

mellower

gradable

Examples

She had a mellow vibe after a couple of drinks at the bar.

free from stress or tension

peaceful

relaxed

serene

at home

Examples

The soft music created a mellow atmosphere in the café.

(of fruits) having reached the stage of ripeness

Examples

The mellow peaches were perfect for making a sweet, juicy pie.

having a gentle quality that develops with age, experience, or gradual change

caring

compassionate

gentle

mild

soft

Examples

A more mellow personality has emerged in her since she took up meditation.

(of a color, sound, or flavor) soft or gentle, often creating a sense of warmth and calmness

Examples

The mellow flavor of the wine had hints of oak and vanilla.

pleasant, excellent, or highly enjoyable

Slang

What does "mellow" mean in slang?

The term "mellow" as a slang describes something that is very good, enjoyable, or satisfying in quality or experience. The structure is an informal positive evaluation word used to approve of an event, object, or situation. It functions as praise for something that feels very good or satisfying.

Examples

That jazz track is mellow; it really sets the mood.

Lexical Tree