What does tonally mean?
Tonally means in relation to tone, especially the pitch relationships or tonal quality of speech, music, or another sound. In discussions of music, the adverb often describes how a melody or chord sequence relates to a tonal center. It can also characterize a voice or instrument, as in a phrase that is described as being tonally warm, dark, or bright, although such wording may involve aesthetic interpretation. In linguistics, tonally can refer to features of pitch in a language or voice. The word is especially useful when the focus is not simply on whether a sound is accurate or expressive, but on the relationships among pitches and the overall pitch-based character of a sound. It is generally formal or technical, though it also appears naturally in critical writing about music and performance.
adverbIn or with respect to tone, especially the pitch relationships or tonal quality of speech, music, or another sound.
- In or with respect to tone, especially musical pitch or tonal quality.
"The two melodies are tonally similar, although their rhythms differ considerably."
"The arrangement preserves the song's tonally distinct character."
"Her voice is tonally warm, even when she speaks quietly."
Tonally is the adverb for pitch relationships: it can describe a melody’s structure, a voice’s quality, or the sound of an entire performance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tonally come from?
Tonally is an adverb formed from tonal with the suffix -ly. Tonal derives from tone, which ultimately comes from the Greek tonos, meaning a stretching or, in a musical context, pitch. The same root underlies related English words such as tonality and tonic, although these entered the language through different historical developments.
How tonally is actually used
Tonally is neutral in register but is most common in music, linguistics, sound engineering, and formal description. It is more specific than generally, since it focuses on tone, pitch, or tonal organization rather than every aspect of a sound or performance.
Easily confused with tonally
Totally means completely or to the greatest extent, whereas tonally means in relation to tone or pitch.