What does heraldically mean?
Heraldically means in the manner of heraldry or according to heraldic principles. It is used when describing or explaining the formal features of a coat of arms, including its shield, charges, colors, divisions, and other elements governed by heraldic traditions. The word is especially associated with specialized historical, genealogical, and artistic discussions rather than everyday speech. For example, one might say that two arms are heraldically related, that a feature is heraldically inappropriate, or that a design has been heraldically altered. Its use signals attention to the conventions and historical rules of heraldry, not merely to the visual appearance of an emblem. Because it is a precise, domain-specific adverb, it is most useful in formal writing and expert commentary, where its meaning is more informative than a general phrase such as “in relation to coats of arms.”
adverbIn the manner of heraldry; according to the conventions, principles, or practices of heraldry.
- In the manner or according to the principles of heraldry.
"The two coats of arms are heraldically distinguished by their charges and their tinctures."
"The shield is heraldically divided into three sections."
"The historian explained heraldically why the lion appears in the upper half of the arms."
Heraldically is the specialist's adverb for explaining not just what a coat of arms looks like, but why every part of it belongs there.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heraldically come from?
The adverb heraldically is formed from heraldic with the adverbial suffix -ally. Heraldic in turn derives from herald, a term associated with announcing or proclaiming and, historically, with officials responsible for ceremonial announcements and the management of arms. The resulting family includes heraldry, the practice and study of coats of arms, and heraldship, meaning the office or position of a herald.
Related word forms
How heraldically is actually used
A specialized and relatively formal word, used chiefly in discussions of coats of arms, heraldic design, and the conventions of heraldry.
Easily confused with heraldically
Heraldic is the adjective describing something connected with heraldry, while heraldically is the adverb indicating the manner or method of doing something.