mellow

Mellow is a term in English that functions as both an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, it describes a calm, relaxed, or gentle state, or something with a smooth, rich, and unhurried quality. It is commonly used for moods, atmospheres, or sounds that are warm rather than harsh, as in a mellow mood or mellow jazz. It can also describe fruit, wine, or other flavors that have ripened, softened, and become fuller or sweeter over time.

As a verb, mellow means to become mellower or to cause to become so. The phrase mellow out is widely used in informal speech to indicate relaxation or reduced intensity, for example, “We just mellowed out after dinner.” In music or color, mellow denotes a soft, warm, and subdued character.

Etymology: The exact origin is unclear, but the sense of softness, ripeness, and fullness associated with fruit and wine has shaped the modern figurative use of mellow. The term has been attested in English since the early modern period.