tonelessly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a manner lacking tone, modulation, or expression: Speaking or producing sound in a flat, dull, and unvarying way, without emotional inflection or musical quality.
Usage
- The adverb "tonelessly" is used to describe the manner in which speech or sound is produced. It indicates a complete absence of vocal variety, pitch change, or emotional expression.
- It is typically used with verbs related to speech (e.g., ) or sound production.
Examples
- Adverb:
- "The news is bad," he announced tonelessly.
- She recited the long list of rules tonelessly, boring the entire class.
- The automated voice delivered the instructions tonelessly.
Advanced Usage
- Describing Non-Vocal Sounds: While most common with speech, "tonelessly" can describe other sounds that lack resonance or character.
- The old piano key was struck and sounded tonelessly.
Variants and Related Words
- Toneless (adjective): Lacking tone or expression.
- His toneless voice made the story hard to follow.
- Monotonously (adverb): In a dull, tedious, and repetitious way. (A close synonym often related to sound or speech.)
- Flatly (adverb): In a dull and lifeless manner; without emotion or expression. (A common synonym in the context of speech.)
Synonyms
- Monotonously
- Flatly
- Dully
- Expressionlessly
Antonyms
- Expressively
- Melodiously
- Inflectedly
- Emotionally
Related Phrases/Idioms
(While "tonelessly" itself is not typically part of idioms, it describes the manner of speaking common in certain fixed expressions.) - To say in a deadpan voice: To say something in a deliberately toneless, impassive manner, often for humorous effect. - He delivered the outrageous punchline tonelessly, in a perfect deadpan.
Adverb
- in a monotone
- `Come in,' she said tonelessly