tonal
1. relating to or based on tone or tonality, especially in music
The composition has a tonal structure based on Western classical traditions.
A composição tem uma estrutura tonal baseada nas tradições da música clássica ocidental.
2. relating to the quality or character of sound or voice
The singer's tonal range was impressive.
O alcance tonal da cantora era impressionante.
3. in linguistics, relating to languages in which pitch variations distinguish meaning
Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language.
O mandarim é uma língua tonal.
4. relating to or involving color tones or shades in visual art
The painting uses a tonal approach with subtle gradations of gray.
A pintura usa uma abordagem tonal com graduações sutis de cinza.
In Brazil and Portugal, 'tonal' is primarily used in academic, musical, and linguistic contexts. It is a technical term not commonly used in everyday conversation. The term is particularly important in music education and in discussions of languages like Mandarin and Yoruba, which are tonal languages, a linguistic feature that differs from Portuguese and English.
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