tonal

[ tohn-l ]

adjective

, Music.

1. pertaining to or having tonality.

tonal

/ ˈtəʊnəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to tone
2. of, relating to, or utilizing the diatonic system; having an established key Compare atonal
3. 1. (of an answer in a fugue) not having the same melodic intervals as the subject, so as to remain in the original key
   2. denoting a fugue as having such an answer Compare real 1

Derived Forms

• ˈtonally, adverb

Other Words From

• tonal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonal¹

1770–80; < Medieval Latin tonālis . See tone, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Screen Rant's Patrice Witherspoon was less enthusiastic, suggesting the film "is hindered by tonal imbalances and poor editing".

From BBC

There will be tonal differences, with series leaning more or less fantastic or realistic.

From Los Angeles Times

Hearing those comments "put me right back" in the recording studio, said Law, explaining that Britten's use of tonal ambiguity "didn't fit the normal frame of reference for a school choir".

From BBC

Or would it be a misguided, tonally jarring hot mess with a title to inspire a thousand dog puns?

From Los Angeles Times

Yet there are hidden pleasures in this over-the-top, tonally bizarre endeavor by the lesser-known Eggers brothers.

From Los Angeles Times