tenor
|ten-or|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈtɛnər/
🇬🇧
/ˈtɛnə/
general sense or male voice
Etymology
Etymology Information
'tenor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tenor,' where 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'
Historical Evolution
'tenor' changed from the Old French word 'teneur' and eventually became the modern English word 'tenor'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a holding or course,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a male singing voice' and 'general meaning or sense.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a male singing voice between baritone and alto or countertenor, the highest of the ordinary adult male range.
The tenor sang beautifully in the opera.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the general meaning, sense, or content of something.
The tenor of his speech was optimistic.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/07/24 07:23