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polyphonically

polyphonically

9.6
In a way that uses two or more different melodies at the same time
  • adverb
  • /ˌpɒlɪfəˈnɪkli/
  • Specialized
: de manera polifónica
  • The choir sang polyphonically, with multiple voices creating beautiful harmonies.

Examples

  • OMNI OFF, POLY (Mode 3) -- An instrument will play polyphonically and only respond to the MIDI information being sent on the channel to which it is assigned, a single selectable channel. Mode 3 is sometimes called POLY mode.

    Academic text (1994)
  • This setting will allow the instruments to receive only their own messages, and each will respond polyphonically.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Each instrument played polyphonically, adding depth to the overall sound in the performance.

  • The composer wrote the piece to be played polyphonically, showcasing the interplay of different melodies.

How Polyphonic

contrapuntally
  • Specialized
1 9.9
polyphonically
  • Specialized
9.6

Surface Forms

polyphonically positive

Morphology

polyphonically = polyphonic (transparent) = poly + phon + ic + ly

The adverb is formed by the regular suffix -ly added to the adjective polyphonic, so the meaning is straightforwardly inherited.

Etymology

Polyphonically comes from the Greek parts poly- meaning 'many' and phon- meaning 'sound', the same phon- you see in phone. So to sing or write music polyphonically is to use two or more different melodies or sounds at the same time.