Singerly

Part of speech: adjective, adverb

Definitions

1. Of or relating to a person who sings, or to the art and manner of vocal performance
2. Describing something connected with vocalists, their craft, or the way they perform songs
3. Pertaining to the voice in song, or to the skill and style of those who perform it

Etymology: "Singerly" is a plain formation: the noun "singer" with the suffix "-ly" attached, which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "characteristic of or befitting a singer." The suffix comes from Old English "-lic," meaning "having the form or character of," the same source that gives English "godly" and "manly." Because "singer" is itself an English word built on "sing," the whole word is built entirely from native English materials, with no detour through Latin or French. The sense is straightforward: something singerly is what a singer would do or be, in manner, voice, or style. It is a word that has stayed close to its parts, so its meaning can be read straight off its construction.