hoarsely

Hoarsely is an adverb that describes the manner in which someone speaks or vocalizes with a rough, weakened, or strained quality of voice. It is commonly used when a cold, prolonged shouting, crying, or heavy use of the voice has made the speaker's vocal cords sore and the sound less clear. The adverb can also convey an atmosphere of strain, age, or exhaustion, especially in literary descriptions. Unlike a synonym such as “roughly,” “hoarsely” focuses specifically on vocal quality rather than roughness in general. A person may “speak hoarsely,” “cough hoarsely,” or ask a question in a hoarse whisper. The word is standard in both British and American English and is more specific than a general description of speaking badly. It is also useful when an author wants to make a character's physical condition or emotional exhaustion audible to the reader.

In a rough, strained, or grating manner of speaking.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of hoarsely

Hoarsely is the adverbial derivative of the adjective hoarse. The adjective appears in Middle English as hors and hore and continues Old English hās, “hoarse,” which has cognates in other Germanic languages. The English suffix -ly forms an adverb from an adjective, creating a word that describes speech or vocalization performed with a rough, strained quality.

How hoarsely is actually used

The adverb is standard in both British and American English. It is often literal, describing a voice affected by illness, fatigue, crying, or prolonged use, but it can also be used literarily to emphasize strain or exhaustion.

Easily confused with hoarsely

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Words and phrases paired with hoarsely

What's the opposite of hoarsely?

Rhymes with hoarsely