chromatically

Chromatically is an adverb relating to chromatic phenomena, particularly in music and color theory. In music, something described as chromatic involves the use of the chromatic scale or chromatic elements—notes that lie outside a given diatonic key, typically moving in semitone steps. A chromatic passage may include accidentals that raise or lower pitches without regard to key signatures. Chromatic harmony often contrasts with diatonic harmony by introducing chromatic mediants, borrowed chords, and other alterations that expand tonal color. The term also extends to tuning, where instruments may be described as playing chromatically when they can play all semitones within an octave.

In color theory and art, chromatic refers to color as such, with hue and saturation, as opposed to achromatic gray tones. Chromatic changes or contrasts describe shifts along the color wheel, such as moving from red to blue through intermediate hues, or adjusting saturation to achieve a particular visual effect. An image described as chromatically balanced or harmonized has colors chosen to achieve a cohesive or dynamic overall chroma.

The word derives from Greek chroma 'color' and is used in broader contexts to indicate color-related properties or processes. As an adverb, chromatically modifies verbs to indicate that the action relates to color, chromatic scale, or chromatic tonalities.