The phrase "general tenor" refers to the overall tone, attitude, or mood of something, such as a conversation, speech, or piece of writing. It helps to capture the essence or overall direction of that particular thing. Full definition
The general tenor I get is that it's needed. (fortune.com)
While Jesus may not have said anything about the social / political / theological topics of homosexual marriage, immigration reform, or mega churches, we do know enough about Jesus from the Gospels to get a general tenor or trajectory of Jesus» life to make an educated guess about what He might have said. (redeeminggod.com)