non-tonality
|non/to/na/li/ty|
🇺🇸
/nɑn-toʊˈnælɪti/
🇬🇧
/nɒn-təʊˈnælɪti/
absence of key
Etymology
'non-tonality' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'tonality' from the Latin 'tonus' meaning 'tone'.
'Tonality' evolved from the Latin 'tonus' through Old French 'tonalité', and the prefix 'non-' was added in modern English to denote absence.
Initially, 'tonality' referred to the character of a piece of music as determined by the key in which it is played, but 'non-tonality' evolved to describe music without a key.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the absence or lack of tonality, especially in music, where there is no specific key or tonal center.
The composer's work is known for its non-tonality, creating a unique listening experience.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/23 22:59