subdict-logo

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

  • (..) Canizares, what is he doing? Not just with his hair either. This is not a typical Real Madrid game, is it? The early sending-off has really set the tone for the match. And another effort blocked away by Casillas. Down to ten men, it'll be very hard work for Real Madrid. (..)
    2007 Goal II: Living the Dream