'phonetically' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'phōnētikos,' where 'phōnē' meant 'sound' or 'voice.'

'phōnētikos' transformed into the Latin word 'phōnēticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'phonetic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'related to sound or voice,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.