What does volumed mean?
Volumed is an adjective describing something that has a particular or deliberately controlled degree of loudness. It is used most often for recordings, mixes, performances, and voices, where it may suggest that the sound has been given an intentional level or a full-bodied character. For example, an evenly volumed mix allows several voices or instruments to remain clear without making any one of them seem disproportionately prominent. The word can also carry a mildly favorable artistic sense, as in a richly volumed voice, although this usage is less formal than terms such as resonant or sonorous. Volumed is not especially common outside discussions of sound and is therefore more noticeable than loud or quiet. It is also easily confused with voluminous, which concerns physical bulk or extent rather than loudness.
adjectiveHaving a specified or deliberately controlled degree of loudness, especially of a recording, performance, or mix; full-bodied in sound.
- Having a particular level of loudness, especially of a recording, performance, or mix.
"The engineer returned a more evenly volumed recording in which both singers were easy to hear."
"The producer delivered a cleaner, more evenly volumed mix."
"Her voice is deep and richly volumed, giving the passage considerable resonance."
A volumed mix makes loudness deliberate, so every layer can be heard without one element overwhelming the rest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of volumed
Volumed was formed in English by adding the suffix -ed to volume. Volume ultimately comes through Old French from Latin volumen, a term associated with volvere, “to roll,” originally referring to a rolled sheet of parchment. Other English words derived from the same Latin root include volumetric, voluminous, and volumetry.
How volumed is actually used
Volumed is relatively uncommon and sounds technical or descriptive. It is especially associated with audio production, but it can also be used evaluatively of a voice, instrument, or performance. In ordinary speech, loud, quiet, soft, and resonant are often more natural choices.
Easily confused with volumed
Volumed describes a sound or recording having a particular loudness, whereas voluminous means large in bulk, extent, or amount.