Harmonically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that pertains to harmony, this term indicates a connection to musical elements and their cohesive consistency in various forms of art
2. This expression relates to the concept of harmonious relationships, particularly in the context of music and artistic arrangements
3. In a manner associated with the relationship between sounds, this term denotes elements that are pleasingly integrated within music or other creative expressions

Etymology: "Harmonically" is simply "harmonic" with the adverb ending "-ally" attached, and the two halves have very different pedigrees. The adjective "harmonic" goes back to Greek "harmonikos," from "harmonia," meaning joining or fitting together, which is why music and mathematics share the term: a harmonic is a tone that fits neatly with a fundamental note. The ending is the more surprising part. The "-al" in "-ally" is Latin "-alis," which English took in through Old French and Middle English. Its partner, "-ly," is far older and entirely Germanic: it comes from Old English "-līce," which was a form of the word for "body" or "form," so that "-ly" once meant something like "in the manner of" the thing named. Combining the two gives an adverb that means "in a harmonic manner," which is exactly the tuneful sense the word carries today.

Synonyms: musically, melodically, rhythmically