1. Music:
* The general pitch level of a voice or instrument. The tenor voice is the highest male voice, while the tenor instrument is usually a string instrument like a violin or guitar.
* The general character or course of something. For example, "The tenor of the conversation was positive."
2. Law:
* The general meaning or import of a legal document. For example, "The tenor of the contract was clear."
3. General:
* The general drift or trend of something. For example, "The tenor of the times is changing."
* A person who holds a particular position or office. This meaning is less common and usually refers to a specific role, like a "tenor" in a choir.
To understand the meaning of "tenor" in a particular context, consider the surrounding words and the overall meaning of the sentence.