What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chiaroscuro
Example
The artist used chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and drama in the portrait. [chiaroscuro: noun]
Example
The photographer expertly employed chiaroscuro to capture the mood of the scene. [chiaroscuro: adjective]
tonality
Example
The tonality of the painting was dominated by warm earth tones. [tonality: noun]
Example
The photographer played with tonality to evoke a sense of nostalgia in the image. [tonality: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tonality is more commonly used than chiaroscuro in everyday language. Tonality is a versatile term that can be applied to various art forms, while chiaroscuro is more specific to painting and photography.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chiaroscuro and tonality?
Both chiaroscuro and tonality are formal terms used in the context of visual arts. However, chiaroscuro may be considered slightly more technical and specialized compared to tonality, which has a broader application and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
