What does tribally mean?
Tribally is an adverb formed from tribal, meaning in a tribal manner or with reference to a tribe or tribes. It is most often used to describe conduct, organization, loyalty, or preferences that follow tribal boundaries rather than some other principle. A reporter might say that a community voted tribally, meaning that voting patterns followed lines of ethnic, regional, clan, or other group identity; an analyst might similarly describe groups as tribally divided. The word can sound analytical, but it may carry negative overtones when it suggests exclusion, hostility, or anachronistic loyalty, so writers often need to specify which tribal divisions are meant. It is used in formal commentary and journalism in both British and American English, although many speakers prefer the clearer alternatives tribal or in tribal terms in some contexts. Although relatively uncommon compared with tribal, tribally usefully focuses attention not merely on the existence of a group but on patterns of collective action and allegiance.
adverbIn the manner of a tribe or tribes; with reference to tribal organization, identity, loyalty, or practice.
- In a manner governed by tribal organization, identity, loyalty, or division.
"The electorate appeared to be voting tribally, with loyalty to familiar communities outweighing the proposed policy's merits."
"The electorate appeared to be voting tribally, with loyalty to familiar communities outweighing the proposed policy's merits."
"After decades of conflict, the two populations remained tribally divided."
Tribally turns the idea of a tribe into a pattern of action: people can vote tribally, not merely vote.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tribally come from?
Tribally is an English adverb formed by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective tribal. The English adjective came via French from Medieval Latin tribalis, which was derived from Latin tribus, meaning tribe; the related English noun tribe was borrowed from Old French tribu, also from Latin tribus. Other English words sharing this origin include tribalism and tribalist.
How tribally is actually used
Most often encountered in analytical, political, and journalistic prose. It can be neutral when describing patterns of group allegiance, but may carry negative connotations when it suggests exclusion, hostility, or persistent divisions.
Easily confused with tribally
Tribal is an adjective describing a group, its members, or characteristics such as organization or loyalty; tribally is the adverb modifying an action or manner of behaving.