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 tonality is, in some ways, unique to the platform itself, and also has to do with what we’re trying to accomplish through that platform specifically.

From Digiday

It is necessary therefore to collect the scanty notices which we possess bearing upon the tonality of Greek music.

From Project Gutenberg

It must be vain to attempt to discover the tonality of a short fragment which has neither beginning nor end.

From Project Gutenberg

This octave, however, represents merely the compass (ambitus or tessitura) of the melody: it has nothing to do with its tonality.

From Project Gutenberg

His emotional centre is in being sensitive to the feel of the place or to the tonality of the person.

From Project Gutenberg

The melodic form of the scale can then be taught, and both forms practised to give plenty of freedom in the new tonality.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• timbre