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Tonic Definition & Meaning

tonic
adjective
  1. of or relating to or producing normal tone or tonus in muscles or tissue; "a tonic reflex"; "tonic muscle contraction"
  2. employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words; "Chinese is a tonal language"
  3. used of syllables; "a tonic syllables carries the main stress in a word"
  4. relating to or being the keynote of a major or minor scale; "tonic harmony"
  5. imparting vitality and energy; "the bracing mountain air"
noun
  1. lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine
  2. a sweet drink containing carbonated water and flavoring; "in New England they call sodas tonics"
  3. (music) the first note of a diatonic scale
  4. a medicine that strengthens and invigorates

"Tonic" in song lyrics

See how tonic is used in real songs:

  • "Gets ya body up just like a roots tonic"
    Afu-Ra — Whirlwind Thru Cities
  • "And let my tigers hold the gin and tonic"
    Dre Dog (Andre Nickatina) — All Star Chuck Taylors
  • "Tanqueray with the lemon, ice with the tonic"
    The Beanuts f/ V.I.C. — Fried Chicken

Usage tips for "tonic"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "tonic" 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 tonic to find words that pair well.

Use "tonic" in a verse

Now that you know what "tonic" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does tonic mean?
of or relating to or producing normal tone or tonus in muscles or tissue; "a tonic reflex"; "tonic muscle contraction" employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words; "Chinese is a tonal language" used of syllables; "a tonic syllables carries the main stress in a word" relating to or being the keynote of a major or minor scale; "tonic harmony" imparting vitality and energy
What part of speech is tonic?
Tonic is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does tonic have?
Tonic has 9 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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