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harmonically

C2
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hɑːmˈɒnɪkli/

US

  • /hɑːrmˈɑːnɪkli/

Meanings

Adverb

  1. with respect to musical harmony or chords

  2. according to harmonic mathematical or physical relationships

  3. in a pleasingly balanced or compatible way

Beyond the definition

In music, harmonically describes the way notes fit together as chords or support each other in a pleasing way. Picture a choir: the singers are not all singing the same note, but their different notes blend into one rich sound. That is the core idea of the word.

From there, the meaning often stretches into everyday writing. It can describe different parts working together smoothly and in balance, such as colors in a painting, flavors in a meal, or parts of a story that support one main idea. When something works harmonically, the parts do not fight each other; they add to a stronger whole.

Examples

  1. 1

    Choir blending

    The choir blends harmonically, so the different voices sound smooth together.

  2. 2

    Musical accompaniment

    The tune is simple, but the pianist supports it harmonically with some unusual chords.

    • Patternsupport + music harmonically

      add harmony under the main tune

  3. 3

    Musical development

    The second half of the piece becomes more adventurous harmonically, even though the rhythm stays steady.

See also

Shades of meaning

  • chordally
  • tonally

Contrast

  • discordantly
  • melodically

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • harmonically rich
  • harmonically complex
  • harmonically related

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • harmonicallyadverb