TONAL
Dictionary entry overview: What does tonal mean?
• TONAL (adjective)
The adjective TONAL has 2 senses:
1. employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words
2. having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic
Familiarity information: TONAL used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
• TONAL (adjective)
Meaning:
Employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words
Classified under:
Relational adjectives (pertainyms)
Synonyms:
tonal; tonic
Context example:
Chinese is a tonal language
Pertainym:
tone ((linguistics) a pitch or change in pitch of the voice that serves to distinguish words in tonal languages)
Meaning:
Having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic
Similar:
keyed (set to a key or tone)
diatonic (based on or using the five tones and two semitones of the major or minor scales of Western music)
polytonal (using more than one key or tonality simultaneously)
toned (having or characterized or distinguished by tone or a specific tone; often used in combination)
tonic (relating to or being the keynote of a major or minor scale)
Domain category:
music (an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner)
Antonym:
atonal (characterized by avoidance of traditional Western tonality)
