Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tonality

noun

təˈnælɪti

Definition

The character or quality of a sound or the overall atmosphere of a piece of music or literary work.

Examples

The tonality of the symphony shifts dramatically, reflecting the emotional turbulence of the composer.
In her poem, the tonality evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing.
The artist used bright colors to create a joyful tonality in the painting.

Meaning

Tonality refers to the arrangement of tones in a musical piece, or the way a certain emotion or feeling is conveyed through tone. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the mood or feeling that is created by the arrangement of words and phrases in literature.