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Tonal Definition & Meaning

tonal
adjective
  1. employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words; "Chinese is a tonal language"
  2. having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic

Usage tips for "tonal"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "tonal" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for tonal to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does tonal mean?
employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words; "Chinese is a tonal language" having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic
What part of speech is tonal?
Tonal is an adjective.
How many definitions does tonal have?
Tonal has 2 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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