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

  • (..) - Bad hair day. We do so have an eye. It's around here somewhere. The last time I saw it, you put it in the glove compartment, Anger. Don't use that tone with my name. It's not there this time. Wasp always puts it with the keys. - And it's . - So is mine! Shouldn't the driver get the eye? (..)
    2013 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters