Meaning & Definition of Tone in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The quality of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds.

  Example Sentence: The piano has a rich tone that fills the room.

• Definition: A particular attitude or approach to a subject in writing or speech.

  Example Sentence: The tone of her letter was very formal.

• Definition: A degree of loudness or pitch in a sound.

  Example Sentence: He spoke in a low tone to avoid being overheard.

• Definition: A shade of color or character.

  Example Sentence: The painting features a warm tone with earthy colors.

• Definition: The overall mood or feeling conveyed in a piece of music or literature.

  Example Sentence: The tone of the novel shifted dramatically as the story progressed.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'ton', from Latin 'tonus', from Greek 'tonos' (a stretching, tension).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• tone it down: To make something less intense or severe.
• set the tone: To establish the mood or context of a situation.
• tone deaf: Physically unable to differentiate musical pitches or lacking sensitivity to music.
• tone of voice: The way in which something is said, conveying feelings or attitudes.

Translations

• Spanish: tono

• French: ton

• German: Ton

• Russian: тон

Related Words

• timbre: The character or quality of a musical sound or voice.

• pitch: The degree of highness or lowness of a tone.

• intonation: The rise and fall in the pitch of the voice.

Slang Meanings of tone

• Meaning: To bring the mood down

  Example Sentence: Don't tone it down, we want to have fun!

• Meaning: To be 'on point' or accurate in expression

  Example Sentence: Her response was totally on tone for the situation.