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

"Emilia Pérez was originally intended to be an opera, which perhaps partly explains its saccharine sentimentality, repetitive lyrics, and diverging story branches. But that doesn’t excuse its almost random, whiplash-inducing tonal pivots," said Slant's Kyle Turner.

From BBC

Vance’s tonal shift was an attempt not just to rehabilitate his own image but to help his ticket appeal to the last remaining undecided voters, who are likely to be more moderate than the base supporters who cheer him and Trump at rallies.

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