tenor

[ˈtenər]

tenor Definition

  • 1the general meaning, mood, or trend of something
  • 2a singing voice between baritone and countertenor, the highest of the ordinary adult male range

Using tenor: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tenor" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The tenor of his speech was optimistic.

  • Example

    The tenor of the article was critical of the government's policies.

  • Example

    He has a beautiful tenor voice.

  • Example

    The choir is looking for a tenor to join them.

tenor Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tenor

Antonyms for tenor

Idioms Using tenor

  • to stay true to the original meaning or intention of something

    Example

    The author kept to the tenor of the book when writing the screenplay.

  • strike a tenor

    to adopt a particular tone or attitude

    Example

    The politician struck a tenor of optimism in his speech.

  • to change the general meaning or mood of something

    Example

    The negative comments upset the tenor of the meeting.

Phrases with tenor

  • a medium-sized saxophone, pitched in B-flat, used especially in jazz and dance music

    Example

    He played a beautiful solo on his tenor saxophone.

  • a cylindrical double-headed drum that is pitched relatively high and is used in military bands and pipe bands

    Example

    The tenor drum adds a unique sound to the band's music.

  • a symbol placed on a musical staff to indicate that the notes below it are to be played or sung an octave higher than written

    Example

    The tenor part is written in tenor clef.

Origins of tenor

from Latin 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'

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Summary: tenor in Brief

The term 'tenor' [ˈtenər] refers to the general meaning, mood, or trend of something, as in 'The tenor of his speech was optimistic.' It also denotes a singing voice between baritone and countertenor, exemplified by 'He has a beautiful tenor voice.' 'Tenor' extends into phrases like 'tenor saxophone,' and idioms like 'keep to the tenor of something,' denoting staying true to the original meaning, and 'upset the tenor of something,' implying a change in the general meaning.