Tonic: meaning, definitions and examples

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tonic

[ ˈtɒnɪk ]

^{Context #1}

drink

A medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of well-being or a feeling of invigoration.

Synonyms

pick-me-up, stimulant

Examples of usage

She drank a tonic to boost her energy levels before the race.
Tonic water is often mixed with gin in cocktails.

^{Context #2}

music

The first note of a scale which sets the key.

Synonyms

keynote, root

Examples of usage

In the key of C major, the tonic is the note C.
The tonic chord is usually the first and last chord in a piece of music.

^{Context #3}

general

Giving a feeling of vigor or well-being; invigorating.

Synonyms

invigorating, refreshing

Examples of usage

The tonic music uplifted the audience.
The tonic effect of the fresh air was evident.

Translations

Translations of the word "tonic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tônico

🇮🇳 सुर

🇩🇪 Tonikum

🇮🇩 tonik

🇺🇦 тонік

🇵🇱 tonik

🇯🇵 トニック

🇫🇷 tonique

🇪🇸 tónico

🇹🇷 tonik

🇰🇷 토닉

🇸🇦 منشط

🇨🇿 tonikum

🇸🇰 tonikum

🇨🇳 补品

🇸🇮 tonik

🇮🇸 tonic

🇰🇿 тоник

🇬🇪 ტონიკი

🇦🇿 tonik

🇲🇽 tónico

Word origin

The word 'tonic' originated in the late 17th century from the Greek word 'tonikos', meaning 'of stretching'. It was initially used in a medical context to refer to substances that invigorate or restore health. Over time, the term expanded to music theory, where it denotes the first note of a scale. The adjective form of 'tonic' developed to describe anything that gives a feeling of vigor or well-being.