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tone

Definition

  • noun: the quality of a person's voice
  • noun: vocal or musical sound of a specific quality
  • verb: to give strength and firmness to (something, such as muscles or skin)
  • verb: to give a particular intonation or inflection to
  • often used with 'down'
  • synonyms: intone, tonicity, temper

Examples

  • The seriousness of his opening statement 'set the tone' for/of the meeting. [=his opening statement established that the meeting would be serious]

  • ('Brit') I keep getting the 'engaged tone'. [=('US') 'busy signal'; the sound which indicates that the telephone line is already being used]

  • People will be more likely to listen to you if you 'tone down' your language a little.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) I heard it was best to keep your enemies close. Whoever said that didn't have many enemies. He sees something in you. Might not be apparent from his tone, but it's the truth. He believes in you. I'm sorry I disappointed him. The king is a complicated man. But he wants what's right (..)
    2015 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: High Sparrow Season: 5 Episode 3