What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tonality
Example
The tonality of this song is melancholic. [tonality: noun]
Example
The singer's tonality was rich and resonant. [tonality: noun]
key
Example
This song is in the key of C major. [key: noun]
Example
The guitarist played the solo in a high key. [key: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Key is more commonly used than tonality in everyday language, especially in discussions of music composition and performance. Tonality is more commonly used in discussions of music theory and analysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tonality and key?
Tonality is typically associated with a more formal tone, while key is used across various formality levels and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
