WordGarden.iovocally
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈəʊkəli/
US
- /ˈvoʊkəli/
Meanings
Adverb
in spoken words or openly by voice
in terms of singing or vocal performance
Beyond the definition
To do something vocally means to express it by speaking or by using your voice. Often, it suggests that someone says something clearly and publicly instead of keeping it private. A person may vocally support a cause, vocally oppose a plan, or complain vocally about a problem. It can also be used for singing or other voice-based performance, but in everyday English it is very often about speaking up and being heard.
The adverb "vocally" describes doing something by means of the voice. It is used when something is expressed out loud rather than kept silent or put only in writing. In many cases, it suggests that a person is open, clear, and easy to hear about what they think or feel.
For example, someone might vocally support a new law, vocally object to a decision, or be vocally critical of bad service. In these examples, the idea is not just that they hold an opinion, but that they actively say it. The word often appears when people speak up in a noticeable or public way.
The word can also be used in a more literal sense for the physical voice itself. A singer may perform vocally, meaning with the voice rather than with an instrument. In that sense, it relates to vocal performance. But for most learners, the more common use is about speaking out, especially to show support, disagreement, praise, or criticism.
So, if something is done vocally, the main idea is that it is expressed with the voice, especially in spoken and often public expression.
Examples
- 1
Audience reaction
The audience reacted vocally when the singer came back for one more song.
- 2
Public opposition
Some parents were vocally opposed to the new school policy.
- Patternvocally opposed to + idea/policy
openly said they were against it
- 3
Personal support
She has been vocally supportive of her brother's decision to move abroad.
- 4
Sports criticism
A few players were vocally critical of the referee after the match.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- vocallyadverb