rhythmically

American  

[rith-mik-lee] / ˈrɪð mɪk li /

adverb

1. with uniform or patterned repetition, as of a beat or a particular movement or sound.

   One student always taps his pencil rhythmically as he studies, saying it helps him think.

2. Music. in a way that relates to or emphasizes a regular pattern of strong and weak beats.

   This part of the piece is rhythmically and harmonically quite simple, with phrases of unsurprising length and uninterrupted flow.

3. with measured or flowing movement, as in dancing.

   Tall reeds edging the road were waving rhythmically back and forth with the wind.

4. Art, Literature. with or by means of the patterned repetition of a motif or formal element in the same or a modified form.

   In Cézanne’s Large Bathers, I like the patterned arrangement of rhythmically leaning trees and the figures gathered under their triangular canopy.

5. Prosody. in a way that relates to or makes effective use of poetic meter.

   His poems are among the most vivid and rhythmically alluring in the English language.

6. Theater, Movies. in a way that alternates between dialogue and description, shorter and longer scenes or sentences, etc., in order to create a measured or patterned effect of movement, tension, and emotion.

   The war correspondent’s story flows rhythmically and sensually from one conflict to another.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• semirhythmically
  adverb
• nonrhythmically
  adverb
• unrhythmically
  adverb
• hyperrhythmically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of rhythmically

First recorded in 1680–90; rhythmical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Explanation

To do something rhythmically is to do it in a repeating, almost musical way. If you’re washing a huge pile of dishes, you might notice yourself moving rhythmically as you wash, rinse, and repeat. Music has rhythm, a repeating pattern of beats. To do something rhythmically is to do it in a way that includes or resembles the beat of music. The clanking and banging sounds of a factory might repeat rhythmically. To dance is to move rhythmically. A well-executed play in football or basketball could be performed rhythmically. This word suggests both skill and repetition.

Example Sentences

Rhythmically, spiritedly, pathetically and gayly, “The Broadway Melody” will make you believe it, even if you don’t.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2023

Rhythmically, the song was a mix of skiffle, Caribbean and the Latin American I’ve loved ever since hearing Edmundo Ros on the radio with my mum.

From The Guardian • Aug. 10, 2020

Rhythmically, this line — one of many like it — is not a total misfire.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 25, 2017

"The dialogue is so economical and quicksilver. Rhythmically it's incredibly potent and there's a music to it. It can change direction in a flash. It's thrilling to speak as an actor."

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2014

Rhythmically, without haste, it sucked down a floating sedge fly and sank back under water.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Related Words

• adroitly
• beautifully
• delicately
• easily
• elegantly
• graciously
• neatly
• nimbly
• skillfully
• smoothly