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Nasally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nasally

[หˆneษช.zษ™l.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

sound quality

In a nasally manner refers to a way of speaking or producing sound primarily through the nose rather than the mouth. This can result in a distinctive, often irritating tone that is perceived as less pleasant. It is commonly associated with certain accents or vocal habits.

Synonyms

in a nasal tone, nasally-sounding.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke nasally, which made it hard to understand her.
  • The comedian's nasally voice added to the humor of his routine.
  • He complained about the nasally sound on the recording.
  • The child's nasally pronunciation was adorable but difficult to decipher.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, 'nasal' refers to sounds made by allowing air to flow through the nose, like the sounds 'm' and 'n'.
  • Some languages, like French and Portuguese, use nasal sounds more than English, which can affect pronunciation.
  • The nasal quality can change the emotion conveyed in speech; for instance, a nasally sound might suggest whining or sadness.

Health

  • When someone is sick with a cold or allergies, they often speak in a nasally way due to blocked nasal passages.
  • Chronic nasal congestion can lead to a persistent nasally voice, affecting communication and self-esteem.
  • Voice therapists may work with individuals who have a nasally quality to improve their speaking or singing voice.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in cartoons or comedies often speak nasally to exaggerate humor, like some portrayals of nerds.
  • Famous comedians have used a nasally tone to make their characters memorable, leaning into the sound as part of their act.
  • In music, some singers intentionally use a nasally style to create a unique sound, such as certain pop and rock artists.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that a nasally voice can influence perceptions; people might find someone with a nasally voice less attractive.
  • Listeners might judge a nasally voice as less authoritative or confident compared to a clear, resonant voice.
  • The way we perceive vocal qualities, including nasality, can affect interpersonal communication and social dynamics.

Music

  • Certain singing techniques, like belting or nasal resonance, can enhance projection in performances, particularly in pop music.
  • Nasal singing is sometimes used in traditional music styles, adding a distinct cultural flavor and authenticity.
  • In choral singing, varying degrees of nasality can be employed for artistic expression, affecting the overall sound of the group.

Origin of 'nasally'

The term 'nasally' derives from the word 'nasal', which originated from the Latin 'nasalis', meaning 'of the nose'. The Latin term is connected to 'nasus', the word for 'nose'. The transition to the adverb 'nasally' indicates manner or quality related to the nose. The construction is typical in English, where 'ly' is added to adjectives to form adverbs that describe how something is done. The use of 'nasally' has been noted in linguistic studies, often in the context of accent and speech patterns in various English-speaking regions. Over time, the term has found its place in informal conversations, especially when discussing singers, actors, or public speakers noted for their unique vocal qualities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,372, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.