tenor
“tenor” means “tenor” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
tenor
Also: tenor voice
📝 In Action
El tenor italiano recibió una ovación de pie tras su actuación.
B1The Italian tenor received a standing ovation after his performance.
Mi hermano quiere ser tenor porque tiene una voz muy aguda.
A2My brother wants to be a tenor because he has a very high voice.
En el coro, los tenores se sientan detrás de las sopranos.
B1In the choir, the tenors sit behind the sopranos.
content, spirit
Also: according to
📝 In Action
A tenor de lo dispuesto en el contrato, no podemos cancelar el servicio.
C1In accordance with what is stated in the contract, we cannot cancel the service.
El tenor literal de sus palabras fue muy sorprendente.
C2The literal wording of his words was very surprising.
Siguieron las instrucciones a tenor de la nueva normativa.
C1They followed the instructions according to the new regulations.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tenor
Question 1 of 3
Which of these people would most likely be called a 'tenor'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'tenor', meaning a 'continuous course' or 'holding on'. In music, it referred to the part that 'held' the melody. In law, it refers to the 'holding' or content of a text.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tenor' used for women singers?
No, the female equivalent for a high voice is 'soprano' or 'contralto'. 'Tenor' is reserved for male voices.
Can I use 'tenor' to describe someone's mood?
Not really. In English we might say 'the tenor of the conversation,' but in Spanish, it's better to use 'el tono' (the tone) or 'el carácter' (the character).
Is 'a tenor de' common in daily speech?
No, it is quite formal. You will hear it on the news or read it in contracts, but rarely in a coffee shop.