Definition

In a way that involves microtones, which are intervals smaller than a semitone in music.

Example

The musician played the notes microtonally, creating a unique sound that was different from traditional scales.

Conversation

Have you heard that new band that plays microtonally?

Yeah, I listened to one of their songs yesterday, and it was so unique!

I love how they create such different sounds by tuning microtonally.

Definitely! It gives their music a really interesting vibe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Microtonally → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "tonal" (from Latin "tonalis", meaning relating to tone) with the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "microtonally" refers to the manner of using small intervals in music that are smaller than the conventional semitones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') intervals in music that relate to 'tone' ('tonal') — that's how you remember that 'microtonally' means in a manner that uses small musical intervals.

Visually Confused Words