subvocally
- adverb
- /sʌbˈvoʊkəli/
- He read the poem subvocally to himself.
Examples
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The actor practiced his lines subvocally while waiting backstage.
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He read the instructions subvocally before starting the experiment.
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During the test, she solved the math problems subvocally to avoid disturbing others.
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She subvocally agreed with the speaker's points.
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He subvocally repeated the instructions to make sure he remembered them.
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She agreed subvocally, hoping no one else would hear her response.
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During the meditation, he subvocally focused on his breathing.
Synonyms
In a quiet way that makes little or no noise
In a quiet way without making any sound or speaking
Not speaking or making any sound
Without speaking or making any sound
To speak quietly so others do not hear
To say something in a very quiet voice so other people cannot hear
Without speaking aloud
How Audible
- Informal
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Subvocally comes from sub- meaning 'under' and vocal meaning 'voice', the same root you see in vocal and in submarine ('under the sea'). So, to do something subvocally is to use your voice 'under' the normal level — quietly in your mind or under your breath.