nasally
UK[ˈneɪzəli]US[ˈneɪzəli]
adv
in a way that relates to or is produced by the nose
adv
in a way that sounds as if the voice is coming through the nose
Morpheme Breakdown
nasal
ly
nasal
of the nose
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'nasally' is a modern english formation built upon the adjective 'nasal', which entered the language in the 17th century from the medieval latin term nasalis, meaning "of the nose." this latin adjective itself derives from nasus, the classical latin word for "nose," a term with a clear proto-indo-european ancestry shared by words like 'nose' in english. the adverbial suffix '-ly' is of germanic origin, from old english -līce, used to form adverbs from adjectives. therefore, 'nasally' literally and logically means "in a nasal manner," directly describing an action performed by or through the nose, whether in physiology or vocal quality.
Analysis
Structure: nasal (of the nose) + ly (adverb suffix)
nasal (from latin nasus, meaning "nose", via medieval latin nasalis; functions as the core adjective root) + ly (from old english -līce, forming adverbs; functions as a derivational suffix creating an adverb)
Examples
he spoke nasally because of his severe cold.
some sounds, like 'm' and 'n', are produced nasally.
the singer was criticized for singing too nasally.