Tenor: meaning, definitions and examples

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tenor

 

[ ˈtɛnər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music voice

A tenor is a type of male singing voice whose range lies between bass and alto. Tenors typically have a vocal range that extends from the C one octave below middle C to the C one octave above. They are often featured in operas, choral works, and other musical performances. The tenor voice is characterized by its bright, ringing quality and is often associated with heroic or romantic roles.

Synonyms

male voice, singer, vocalist

Examples of usage

  • He has a beautiful tenor voice that captivates the audience.
  • The opera featured a talented tenor in the lead role.
  • She studied music to become a trained tenor.
Context #2 | Noun

legal document

In legal terminology, tenor refers to the exact wording or content of a document, especially a deed or a contract. It designates the literal message conveyed by the text, which is important for understanding the obligations and rights established within the document. The tenor must be clear and unambiguous to avoid misinterpretation.

Synonyms

content, text, wording

Examples of usage

  • The tenor of the contract was clearly stated.
  • We must adhere to the tenor of the original agreement.
  • The lawyer reviewed the tenor of the document carefully.

Translations

Translations of the word "tenor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tenor

🇮🇳 गायक

🇩🇪 Tenor

🇮🇩 tenor

🇺🇦 тенор

🇵🇱 tenor

🇯🇵 テノール

🇫🇷 ténor

🇪🇸 tenor

🇹🇷 tenor

🇰🇷 테너

🇸🇦 تينور

🇨🇿 tenor

🇸🇰 tenor

🇨🇳 男高音

🇸🇮 tenor

🇮🇸 tenór

🇰🇿 тенор

🇬🇪 ტენორი

🇦🇿 tenor

🇲🇽 tenor

Word origin

The word 'tenor' originates from the Latin term 'tenor,' which means 'to hold' or 'to maintain.' This is a fitting origin for its musical meaning, as it refers to the part of music that holds the melody. In the context of music, it began to be used in the realm of choral singing and operatic contexts around the late Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the term expanded its usage to describe specific vocal ranges and roles in both sacred and secular music. Additionally, the legal usage of the term stems from the same Latin origin, referring to the 'hold' or 'content' of a document without any alterations. This dual usage demonstrates the versatility of the term as it traversed both musical and legal domains throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,531 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.