Tonal (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words; "Chinese is a tonal language".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, which means the same word can have different meanings based on the pitch used to pronounce it.
- The linguist specialized in studying tonal languages, particularly those spoken in Southeast Asia.
- In Vietnamese, a tonal language, the difference in pitch can completely change the meaning of a word.
- Tonal languages like Cantonese and Taiwanese require speakers to master a range of pitches to communicate effectively.
- Many English language learners struggle with the tonal aspects of languages like Thai and Yoruba.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The tonal structure of the symphony was centered around a dominant keynote that echoed throughout the piece.
- In tonal music, the chords and melodies are typically organized around a central tone or tonic.
- The composer's use of tonal harmony created a sense of resolution and finality at the end of the movement.
- The tonal palette of the jazz standard was characterized by a mix of bright, upbeat chords and melancholic minor keys.
- The piece's tonal ambiguity was a deliberate choice by the composer to create a sense of tension and uncertainty.