What does metallically mean?
Metallically is an adverb meaning in a way that resembles metal. It is commonly used to describe a sound, voice, surface, or taste that seems hard, cold, bright, hollow, or ringing like metal. For example, one might say that a machine spoke metallically or that rain struck the roof metallically. The word is more specific and expressive than “like metal,” and it often carries a vivid sensory impression rather than merely identifying the material involved. It can suggest both physical qualities, such as hardness and reflectivity, and acoustic qualities, especially a sharp or sustained ringing sound. The adverb is formed from “metallic,” which itself comes through Latin from Greek words associated with metal.
adverbIn a manner resembling metal, especially in sound, appearance, or texture. It can describe a hard, cold, ringing, or metallic quality.
- In a manner resembling metal, especially with respect to sound, appearance, or texture.
"The gate shut with a metallic clang that echoed through the empty courtyard."
"The robot spoke in a flat, metallic voice."
"Rain tapped metallically against the corrugated roof."
Metal can make a sound ring long after the initial contact is gone—and that ringing quality is often described as metallic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metallically come from?
“Metallically” is formed from “metallic” with the adverbial suffix “-ly.” The adjective “metallic” comes from Latin metallicus, derived from Latin metallum, meaning metal or ore; Latin metallum was borrowed from Greek metallon, also meaning metal or mine. Related English words include “metal,” “metallurgy,” and “metalloid,” all of which belong to the same broad etymological family.
Related word forms
How metallically is actually used
Usually describes a sound, surface, taste, or voice that has a hard, ringing, cold, or otherwise metal-like quality. It is more evocative than the more neutral phrase “like metal.”
Easily confused with metallically
“Metallic” is an adjective describing something as metallic, while “metallically” is an adverb describing the manner in which something happens or sounds.