tonality

[ toh-nal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural to·nal·i·ties.

1. Music.
   1. the sum of relations, melodic and harmonic, existing between the tones of a scale or musical system.
   2. a particular scale or system of tones; a key.
2. (in painting, graphics, etc.) the system of tones or tints, or the color scheme, of a picture.
3. the quality of tones.

tonality

/ təʊˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. music
   1. the actual or implied presence of a musical key in a composition
   2. the system of major and minor keys prevalent in Western music since the decline of modes Compare atonality
2. the overall scheme of colours and tones in a painting

Other Words From

• to·nali·tive adjective
• nonto·nali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonality¹

First recorded in 1830–40; tonal + -ity

Example Sentences

The A, D and G strings are all tuned an octave higher than a standard guitar, adding a new level of tonality.

From Los Angeles Times

The next chapter the tempo shifts, tonalities of joy, and solos of love are spoken.

From New York Times

His special Gulf Coast mix of country, pop, folk and rock added instruments and tonalities more commonly found in the Caribbean, like steel drums.

From Washington Times

“He was really surprised by that, because he didn’t necessarily see it that way. At the same time, he was relieved because we’d found the right tonality for the story.”

From Los Angeles Times

This piano music — laced as it is with those recognizable tonalities — doesn’t simply resolve there.

From New York Times

Related Words

• timbre