How to pronounce tenor
American English pronunciation
TEN-ur
- IPA
- /ˈtɛnɚ/
- Syllables
- TEN · ur (2 syllables, stress on the 1st)
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What tenor means
Most people know tenor in its everyday sense. Here's its other meaning.
The general drift or mood of what is said
In a sentence: The tenor of the class meeting was cheerful, and everyone left smiling.
Where it comes from: It comes from the Latin tenor, a steady course, from tenere, to hold. The singing voice has the same name because that singer held the main tune.
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