Tonality vs Key - What's the Difference?

Key

Tonality

Definitions

Definition as Noun
  • metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
  • something crucial for explaining
  • pitch of the voice
  • a kilogram of a narcotic drug
  • a list of answers to a test
  • a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
  • a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access
  • a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
  • a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
  • United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843)
  • the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
  • (basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court
  • a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
  • any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
  • mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
Definition as Noun
  • any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
Definition as Verb
  • provide with a key
  • vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
  • regulate the musical pitch of
  • harmonize with or adjust to
  • identify as in botany or biology, for example
Definition as Verb
Definition as Adjective
  • serving as an essential component
Definition as Adjective

Examples

  • "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"
  • "the key to development is economic integration"
  • "he spoke in a low key"
  • "they were carrying two keys of heroin"
  • "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
  • "a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it"
  • "he hit a jump shot from the top of the key"; "he dominates play in the paint"
  • "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
  • "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
  • "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

Parts of Speech

Adjective, Noun, Verb
Noun