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Tonality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽต
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tonality

[tษ™หˆnalษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

The quality of a sound that is related to its pitch and intensity. In music, tonality refers to the arrangement of pitches and chords in a way that establishes a key center. It provides a sense of stability and resolution in a musical composition.

Synonyms

harmonic structure, pitch quality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tonality

Tonality is used in music to describe the character of a piece based on the key in which it is played, reflecting the types of chords and scales used. It can also describe the overall 'emotional color' of a sound, including in audio and visual arts.

  • The tonality of the song makes it sound joyful.
  • The film's dramatic tonality heightened the impact of the story.
pitch quality

Pitch quality relates to the characteristics or timbre of a pitch, such as how clear, warm, or nasally it sounds. It is often used when discussing the nuances of musical performance or sound design.

  • Her pitch quality is remarkably clear, making her a standout vocalist.
  • Adjusting the pitch quality can make a synthesizer sound more realistic.
harmonic structure

Harmonic structure refers to the arrangement and progression of chords in a piece of music. It is more technical and analytical, focusing on how chords are built and connected to create musical harmony.

  • The harmonic structure of this symphony is quite complex.
  • Jazz often features an intricate harmonic structure that can be challenging to follow.

Examples of usage

  • The tonality of the piece shifted from minor to major, creating a more uplifting mood.
  • The composer used tonality to convey a sense of tension and release in the music.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

The use of pitch patterns in speech to convey meaning or emotion. Tonality in linguistics can refer to the intonation patterns, stress, and rhythm that contribute to the overall meaning of a sentence.

Synonyms

intonation, speech patterns.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tonality

This word is often used in music or formal discussions about the quality of sound or tone in music or speech.

  • The tonality of this piece of music is very soothing.
  • Her voice had a warm tonality that made everyone feel welcome.
intonation

Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice in speaking. It's used when discussing how someoneโ€™s voice sounds, especially the pitch and its variation.

  • Pay attention to your intonation when asking questions to sound more friendly.
  • His intonation made it clear that he was excited about the news.
speech patterns

Used when describing the habitual way someone speaks, including their choice of words, intonation, speed, and rhythm.

  • Her speech patterns changed after she moved to the new country.
  • You can tell a lot about someone's background from their speech patterns.

Examples of usage

  • Her tonality indicated that she was asking a question rather than making a statement.
  • The tonality of his voice suggested that he was upset.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music Theory

  • In music, tonality refers to the key that a piece of music is written in, which influences how it feels.
  • Major keys often sound happier, while minor keys tend to sound sadder or more serious.
  • Tonality helps musicians communicate different emotions through their performances.

Linguistics

  • In language, tonality can affect the meaning of words, especially in tonal languages like Mandarin, where pitch can change a word's definition.
  • Languages may use intonation patterns, where the rise and fall in pitch conveys emotions or indicates questions.
  • Understanding tonality in speech can enhance comprehension and improve interpersonal communication.

Psychology

  • Tonality in communication can significantly influence how messages are perceived, affecting trust and emotional responses.
  • Research shows that people can often detect emotions in othersโ€™ voices simply by listening to changes in tonality.
  • A study indicated that positive tonal qualities in speech can lead to stronger social connections.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, tonality can create atmosphere, guiding readersโ€™ emotional responses to scenes and characters.
  • Writers often use tonal shifts to evoke feelings such as tension, relief, or nostalgia within their narratives.
  • Visual artists may employ tonality through color choices to convey specific emotions in their artwork.

Pop Culture

  • Songs frequently use tonal shifts to enhance the emotional journey of the listener, making certain parts stand out.
  • Voice actors skillfully manipulate tonality to bring characters to life, making them relatable or fearsome.
  • Stand-up comedians often play with tonal variations to maximize comedic effect and audience engagement.

Origin of 'tonality'

The word 'tonality' originated from the Latin word 'tonus' meaning 'tone' or 'pitch'. It first appeared in English in the early 18th century, primarily used in music theory to describe the organization of pitches in a musical composition. Over time, the term expanded to include linguistics and the use of pitch patterns in speech. Today, 'tonality' is widely used in both music and language studies to describe the quality of sound and its impact on communication.

See also: intone, monotone, overtone, overtones, ton, toned, toner, tones, toning, undertone, undertones.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,974, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.