1

what does "on a note of" mean in this sentence:

Syria talks end on a note of uncertainty, U.S. frustration with Russia

Improve this question
1
  • read it as a remark or simply consider the talks end with uncertainty...
    – Maulik V
    Commented May 26, 2014 at 11:40

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

It's just a trivial metaphoric usage deriving from musicology. Classical music in particular often ends on a certain note/chord (which repeatedly either occurred, or was "suggested" but never actually played until the final "resolution" of the piece).

The metaphoric usage often occurs as [a speech, etc.] ending on a high/low note, which is usually a positive/negative reference to either the content or style of delivery (nothing to do with tonal frequency).

A closely-related usage is "The US set the tone of the talks by starting with a robust denunciation of the Russian position".

Improve this answer
1
  • +1 But I think popular music demands a full cadence much more strongly than modern classical music.
    – StoneyB on hiatus
    Commented May 26, 2014 at 12:43
1

NOAD has a dictionary entry for high note, saying:

high note (n.) a successful point in an event or period of time : he wants to end his managerial career on a high note.

In addition to high notes, there can be low notes, bad notes, ominous notes, and notes of uncertainty. Under its entry for note, NOAD says:

note (n.) a particular quality or tone that reflects or expresses a mood or attitude : there was a note of scorn in her voice | the decade ended on an optimistic note.

So the headline you are quoting indicates that the mood at the end of the talks was one of uncertainty – everyone is unsure of whether or not any good will come out of the talks.

This phrasing can be used in a variety of contexts; it seems to be often used to describe the overall mood at the beginning or end of some event.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .