What does acoustically mean?
Acoustically is an adverb meaning 'with respect to sound or hearing'. It is used to describe how spaces, materials, or devices behave in relation to sound — for example, a recording studio may be described as acoustically treated if its surfaces have been modified to control echoes and reverberation, while a concert hall may be praised as acoustically superb if it carries music clearly to every listener. The word derives from 'acoustic', which traces back through Latin to the Greek 'akouein', meaning 'to hear'. Though rooted in technical fields such as architecture, audio engineering, physics, and music, acoustically also appears in broader contexts, from describing how animals communicate to how submarines are detected underwater. It carries no strong connotation of its own; its tone is precise and professional, making it a useful word for anyone writing about sound, spaces, or listening.
adverbIn a way that relates to sound or hearing; with respect to the acoustic properties of a space, material, or instrument.
- With respect to sound or hearing; relating to the acoustic properties of a space, object, or system (e.g. 'acoustically treated room').
- By means of sound rather than other signals or mechanisms (e.g. 'acoustically detected').
"The concert hall was acoustically designed so that every seat offered clear sound."
"The studio walls were acoustically treated to eliminate echo."
"Submarines can be acoustically detected by sonar arrays."
Every great concert hall you love was shaped by people thinking acoustically — some halls are even tuned like instruments themselves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acoustically
Acoustically derives from 'acoustic', which entered English in the early 17th century from French 'acoustique', ultimately rooted in the Greek 'akoustikos' ('pertaining to hearing'), from 'akouein', 'to hear'. The adverb form arose later by adding the standard English '-ally' suffix to the adjective. It shares its Greek root with related words such as 'acoustics', the science of sound, and 'acoustician', a specialist in that field.
Related word forms
How acoustically is actually used
Acoustically is a technical-leaning adverb most common in architecture, music, engineering, and audio production contexts. It is neutral in tone but rarely appears in casual conversation; it typically modifies verbs such as 'treated', 'designed', 'isolated', 'insulated', or 'matched'.
Easily confused with acoustically
Aesthetically concerns visual beauty and appearance, while acoustically concerns sound and hearing.