Definition

In a way that lacks tone or emotion; without variation in pitch or expression.

Example

She spoke tonelessly, making it hard to tell if she was happy or sad.

Conversation

Did you hear the way he spoke at the meeting?

Yeah, it was so weird; he talked tonelessly the whole time.

I know! It made it hard to stay engaged with what he was saying.

Exactly, I just kept zoning out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tonelessly → It is formed from "tone" (from Old English *tōn*, meaning sound or musical pitch) and "-less" (meaning without) and "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "tonelessly" means in a manner that is without tone or sound.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') a 'sound' ('tone') — that's why tonelessly means doing something without any sound.

Visually Confused Words