Tonality: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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.

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 refers to the rise and fall of the voice in speaking. It's used when discussing how someone’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.

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.