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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

  • (..) ...and Pamela probably told Elaine. So, what are you, afraid of her? Yes. Yes, I am. - What else did she say on the phone? - Whatever I wrote down. Yeah, but what was the tone in her voice? How did she sound? Who am I, Rich Little? Well, she can't be too mad. - She's still coming to the wedding. (..)
    1990 TvShow: Seinfeld Title: The Stakeout Season: 1 Episode 2