Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense tones, present participle toning, past tense, past participle toned
1. countable noun [usually plural]
The tone of a sound is its particular quality.
Cross could hear him speaking in low tones to Sarah.
...the clear tone of the bell. [+ of]
Synonyms: volume, timbre, tonality More Synonyms of tone
2. countable noun
Someone's tone is a quality in their voice which shows what they are feeling or thinking.
I still didn't like his tone of voice. [+ of]
Suddenly he laughed again, this time with a cold, sharp tone.
Her tone implied that her patience was limited.
3. singular noun [oft inNOUN]
The tone of a speech or piece of writing is its style and the opinions or ideas expressedin it.
The spokesperson said the tone of the letter was very friendly. [+ of]
His comments to reporters were conciliatory in tone.
The whole tone of the President's speech was one of continuity and stability.
Synonyms: character, style, approach, feel More Synonyms of tone
4. singular noun
The tone of a place or an event is its general atmosphere.
The high tone of the occasion was assured by the presence of a dozen wealthy patrons.
The front desk, with its friendly, helpful staff, sets the tone for the rest of thestore.
5. uncountable noun
The tone of someone's body, especially their muscles, is its degree of firmness and strength.
...stretch exercises that aim to improve muscle tone.
Keeping your muscles strong and in tone helps you to avoid back problems.
6. verb
Something that tones your body makes it firm and strong.
This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves. [VERB noun]
Try these toning exercises before you start the day. [VERB-ing]
...finely toned muscular bodies. [VERB-ed]
Tone up means the same as tone.
Exercise tones up your body. [VERBPARTICLE noun]
Although it's not strenuous exercise, you feel toned-up, supple and relaxed. [VERB-ed PARTICLE]
[Also VERB noun PARTICLE]
7. variable noun
A tone is one of the lighter, darker, or brighter shades of the same colour.
Each brick also varies slightly in tone, texture and size.
I'm a cheery sort of person, so I like cheerful tones.
...two-tone, striped wallpaper.
Synonyms: colour, cast, shade, tint More Synonyms of tone
8. verb
If one thing toneswith another, the two things look nice together because their colours are similar in quality or brightness.
[mainly British]
Her sister toned with her in a turquoise print dress. [VERBwith noun]
Synonyms: harmonize, match, blend, suit More Synonyms of tone
Tone in means the same as tone.
[mainly British]
The bowls tone in cleverly with the mugs. [VERBPARTICLEwith noun]
9. singular noun
A tone is one of the sounds that you hear when you are using a phone, for example the sound that tells you that a number is engaged or busy, or no longer exists.
10. countable noun
A tone is a difference in pitch between two musical notes equal to two semitones.
11. See also dialling tone, ring tone
12.
See lower the tone of sth
Phrasal verbs:
See tone down
See tone in
See tone up
More Synonyms of tone
tone in British English
(təʊn)
noun
1.
sound with reference to quality, pitch, or volume
2. short for tone colour
3. US and Canadian another word for note (sense 10)
4.
(in acoustic analysis) a sound resulting from periodic or regular vibrations, composed either of a simple sinusoidal waveform (pure tone) or of several such waveforms superimposed upon one main one (compound tone)
5.
an interval of a major second; whole tone
6. Also called: Gregorian tone
any of several plainsong melodies or other chants used in the singing of psalms
7. linguistics
any of the pitch levels or pitch contours at which a syllable may be pronounced, such as high tone, falling tone, etc
8.
the quality or character of a sound
a nervous tone of voice
9.
general aspect, quality, or style
I didn't like the tone of his speech
10.
high quality or style
to lower the tone of a place
11.
the quality of a given colour, as modified by mixture with white or black; shade; tint
a tone of red
12. physiology
a.
the normal tension of a muscle at rest
b.
the natural firmness of the tissues and normal functioning of bodily organs in health
13.
the overall effect of the colour values and gradations of light and dark in a picture
14. photography
a colour or shade of colour, including black or grey, of a particular area on a negative or positive that can be distinguished from surrounding lighter or darker areas
verb
15. (intransitive; often foll bywith)
to be of a matching or similar tone (to)
the curtains tone with the carpet
16. (transitive)
to give a tone to or correct the tone of
17. photography(transitive)
to soften or change the colour of the tones of (a photographic image) by chemical means
18. (transitive)
to give greater firmness or strength to (the body or a part of the body)
19. an archaic word for intone
Word origin
C14: from Latin tonus, from Greek tonos tension, tone, from teinein to stretch
Tone in British English
(təʊn)
noun
(Theobald) Wolfe. 1763–98, Irish nationalist, who founded (1791) the Society of United Irishmen and led (1798) French military forces to Ireland. He was captured and sentenced to death but died by suicide
tone in American English
(toʊn)
noun
1.
a.
a vocal or musical sound
b.
its quality
2.
an intonation, pitch, modulation, etc. of the voice that expresses a particular meaning or feeling of the speaker
a tone of contempt
3.
a manner of speaking or writing that shows a certain attitude on the part of the speaker or writer, consisting in choice of words, phrasing, etc.
the friendly tone of her letter
4.
normal resilience or elasticity
rubber that has lost its tone
5.
a.
the prevailing or predominant style, character, spirit, trend, morale, or state of morals of a place or period
the cultured tone of their house
b.
distinctive style; elegance
paintings that lent the room tone
6.
a.
a quality or value of color; tint; shade
b.
any of the slight modifications of a particular color; hue
three tones of green
7. Linguistics
a.
the relative height of pitch with which a syllable, word, etc. is pronounced
b.
the relative height of pitch that is a phoneme of a language and distinguishes meaning, as in the tone languages
8. Music
a.
a sound that is distinct and identifiable by its regularity of vibration, or constant pitch (as distinguished from a noise), and that may be put into harmonic relation with other such sounds
b.
the simple or fundamental tone of a musical sound as distinguished from its overtones
c.
any one of the full intervals of a diatonic scale; whole step
d.
any of several recitation melodies used in singing the psalms in plainsong
9. Painting
the effect produced by the combination of light, shade, and color
10. Physiology
a.
the condition of an organism, organ, or part with reference to its normal, healthy functioning
b.
the normal tension, or resistance to stretch, of a healthy muscle, independent of that caused by voluntary innervation; tonus
verb transitiveWord forms: toned or ˈtoning
11. Rare
intone
12.
to give a tone to; specif., to give the proper or desired tone to (a musical instrument, a painting, etc.)
13.
to change the tone of
14. Photography
to change or alter the color of (a print) by chemical means
verb intransitive
15.
to assume a tone
Idioms:
tone down
tone in with
tone up
Derived forms
toneless (ˈtoneless)
adjective
tonelessly (ˈtonelessly)
adverb
tonelessness (ˈtonelessness)
noun
Word origin
ME < OFr & L: OFr ton < L tonus, a sound < Gr tonos, a stretching, tone < teinein, to stretch: see thin
COBUILD Collocations
tone
adopt a tone
Examples of 'tone' in a sentence
tone
Work out at home with simple weights or bands to build and tone your muscle.
The Sun (2016)
It almost set the tone for the rest of the record.
The Sun (2017)
Its high moral tone means it must be above criticism.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They really catch on to the tone of my voice.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We could listen to his husky tones all day.
The Sun (2016)
The tone had changed from fury to anguish.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They're great for all hair colours and skin tones.
The Sun (2016)
Yet while the tone may be conciliatory, the message is firm.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She said:'My body has definitely toned up.
The Sun (2016)
Who it's good for Anyone who wants to tone up and improve balance and core stability.
The Sun (2017)
Some variation in tone would have given the track more gravity.
The Sun (2014)
This set the tone for the rest of my stay.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Please leave a message after the high moral tone.
The Sun (2009)
The tone is pitched at high hysteria throughout.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
My legs were soon toned again as were my back and stomach muscles.
Carlos Acosta No Way Home: A Cuban Dancer's Tale (2007)
This is a book with a very distinctive style and tone.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
The workout programme is designed to improve muscle strength and tone around yourmiddle.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But those who only did toning and stretching exercises did not improve.
The Sun (2010)
The tone and texture of notes were sculpted into unfathomable shapes in the blink of an eye.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Those who clearly speak in controlled tones also raise a question as to why.
Christianity Today (2000)
That was helpful in terms of the tone of the piece.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Do make the tone of the speech humble.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He spoke in a low clear tone that seemed to thrill her with a sort of alarm.
Charlotte M. Yonge The Daisy Chain (1837)
You can enjoy all your favourite foods while working on that toned bikini body.
The Sun (2015)
What is most striking about the letter is its tone of apology.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The message set the tone for the day.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
This change of tone quality can only happen from within.
Stewart, R J Music and the Elemental Psyche: A Practical Guide to Music and Changing Consciousness (1987)
Their tone in rehearsal sounds sharp with familiarity.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The young tone of voice is recognisable and appealing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The tone is similar to previous pieces said to have been written by him.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Two matching sofas and two chairs upholstered in a different but toning colour works much better.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This loss also affects vocal range, tone quality and stability.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
She also went from a size 20 to a toned size ten.
The Sun (2013)
In other languages
tone
British English: tone NOUN
The tone of a sound is its particular quality.
We could hear him speaking in low tones to her.
American English: tone
Brazilian Portuguese: tom
Chinese: 音质
European Spanish: tono
French: ton
German: Ton
Italian: tono
Japanese: 口調
Korean: 어조
European Portuguese: tom
Latin American Spanish: tono
All related terms of 'tone'
tone in
tone up
to make or become more vigorous , healthy , etc
cold tone
a bluish or greenish tinge in a black-and-white print
dial tone
The dial tone is the same as the → dialling tone .
head tone
any of the tones produced in the head register
hum tone
a note produced by a bell when struck , lying an octave or (in many English bells) a sixth or seventh below the strike tone
pure tone
(in acoustic analysis ) a sound composed of a simple sinusoidal waveform
ring tone
The ring tone is the sound made by a phone when it rings.
side tone
sound diverted from a telephone microphone to the earpiece so that a speaker hears his or her own voice at the same level and position as that of the respondent
tone arm
the light balanced arm of a record player that carries the wires from the cartridge to the preamplifier
tone-deaf
If you say that someone is tone-deaf , you mean that they cannot sing in tune or recognize different tunes.
tone down
If you tone down something that you have written or said , you make it less forceful , severe , or offensive .
tone poem
→ symphonic poem
tone row
a group of notes having a characteristic pattern or order that forms the basis of the musical material in a serial composition , esp one consisting of the twelve notes of the chromatic scale
two-tone
of two colours or two shades of the same colour
warm tone
a yellow, brown , olive , or reddish tinge in a black-and-white print
earth tone
any of various soft colors like those found in nature in soil , vegetation , etc.; esp., brown, tan , or beige
tone color
→ timbre
tone colour
the quality of a musical sound that is conditioned or distinguished by the upper partials or overtones present in it
tone-setter
a person or thing that establishes the quality or character that is to be followed subsequently
touch-tone
A touch-tone phone has numbered buttons that make different sounds when you press them. Some automatic phone services can only be used with this kind of telephone.
twelve-tone
of, relating to, or denoting the type of serial music invented and developed by Arnold Schoenberg , which uses as musical material a tone row formed by the 12 semitones of the chromatic scale , together with its inverted and retrograde versions . The technique has been applied in various ways by different composers and usually results in music in which there are few, if any, tonal centres
whole tone
an interval of two semitones ; a frequency difference of 200 cents in the system of equal temperament
aeolian tone
the musical tone produced by the passage of a current of air over a stretched string , etc, as in an aeolian harp
compound tone
(in acoustic analysis ) a sound composed of several sinusoidal waveforms superimposed upon one main one
dialling tone
The dialling tone is the noise which you hear when you pick up a telephone receiver and which means that you can dial the number you want .
engaged tone
a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use
leading tone
the seventh tone of a scale, a half tone below the tonic
partial tone
any of the pure , or harmonic , tones forming a complex tone; harmonic
quarter tone
a quarter of a whole tone ; a pitch interval corresponding to 50 cents measured on the well-tempered scale
ringing tone
a sequence of pairs of tones heard by the dialler on a telephone when the number dialled is ringing
tone cluster
a group of adjacent notes played simultaneously, either in an orchestral score or, on the piano , by depressing a whole set of adjacent keys
tone control
a device in a radio , etc by which the relative intensities of high and low frequencies may be varied
tone language
a language, such as Chinese or certain African languages, in which differences in tone may make differences in meaning
tone painting
musical description , by harmonic , melodic , or rhythmic means, of the words of a text or the story elements in program music
adopt a tone
Someone's tone is a quality in their voice which shows what they are feeling or thinking .
Gregorian tone
a plainsong melody
resultant tone
a musical sound sometimes heard when two loud notes are sounded together, either lower in pitch than either ( differential tone ) or higher ( summational tone )
tone in with
to harmonize with
combination tone
a musical sound sometimes heard when two loud notes are sounded together, either lower in pitch than either ( differential tone ) or higher ( summational tone )
differential tone
a musical sound sometimes heard when two loud notes are sounded together, lower in pitch than either
summational tone
a musical sound sometimes heard when two loud notes are sounded together, higher in pitch than either
mean-tone tuning
an individual's character, disposition , and tendencies as revealed in his or her reactions
tone control knob
a round switch on a radio , record player, etc that is turned to alter the tone control
whole-tone scale
either of two scales produced by commencing on one of any two notes a chromatic semitone apart and proceeding upwards or downwards in whole tones for an octave . Such a scale, consisting of six degrees to the octave, is used by Debussy and subsequent composers
goldtone
gold-coloured
note row
a group of notes having a characteristic pattern or order that forms the basis of the musical material in a serial composition , esp one consisting of the twelve notes of the chromatic scale
silvertone
made to resemble silver in color , sheen , etc.
strike note
the note produced by a bell when struck , defining its musical pitch
cambiata
a melodic ornamental tone following a principal tone by a skip , usually of a third above or below, and progressing by a step
Chinese translation of 'tone'
tone
(təun)
n
(c)[of sound]音质(質) (yīnzhì)
(c)[of voice]腔调(調) (qiāngdiào) (种(種), zhǒng)
(s)[of speech, article etc]基调(調) (jīdiào)
(c/u)[of colour]色调(調) (sèdiào)
(s) (Tel) 声(聲)音 (shēngyīn)
vt
[muscles] (also tone up) 增强(強) (zēngqiáng)
All related terms of 'tone'
dial tone
= dialling tone
tone down
( criticism etc ) 缓(緩)和 huǎnhé
dialling tone
拨(撥)号(號)音 bōhàoyīn [ 个(個) gè ] [ 美 = dial tone ]
engaged tone
忙音 mángyīn
ringing tone
铃(鈴)声(聲) língshēng
tone in with
搭配 dāpèi
1 (noun)
Definition
the quality of a given colour, as modified by mixture with white or black
He spoke in a low tone to her.
Synonyms
pitch
He raised his voice to a higher pitch.
stress
schools that put more stress on practical activities
volume
accent
He has developed a slight American accent.
force
slamming the door behind her with all her force
strength
emphasis
The emphasis is on the first syllable of the word.
inflection
His voice was devoid of inflection.
intonation
His voice had a very slight German intonation.
timbre
modulation
tonality
2 (noun)
Definition
the quality or character of a sound
the clear tone of the bell
Synonyms
volume
timbre
His voice had a deep timbre.
tonality
3 (noun)
Definition
general aspect, quality, or style
The tone of the letter was very friendly.
Synonyms
character
style
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
approach
We will be exploring different approaches to information-gathering.
feel
He wanted to get the feel of the place.
air
The meal gave the occasion an almost festive air.
effect
He told me to get lost, or words to that effect.
note
quality
The pretentious quality of the poetry.
spirit
I appreciate the sounds, smells and the spirit of the place.
attitude
He has a gentle attitude.
aspect
The snowy tree assumed a lifeless aspect.
frame
manner
His manner was self-assured and brusque.
mood
First set the mood with some music.
drift
grain
temper
He's known for his placid temper.
vein
He also wrote several works in a lighter vein.
tenor
4 (noun)
Definition
the quality of a given colour, as modified by mixture with white or black
Each brick also varies slightly in tone.
Synonyms
colour
The badges come in twenty different colours and shapes.
cast
shade
The walls were painted in two shades of green.
tint
Its large leaves often show a delicate purple tint.
tinge
His skin had an unhealthy greyish tinge.
hue
The same hue will look different in different lights.
5 (noun)
a dialling tone
Synonyms
note
I detected a note of bitterness in his voice.
beep
(verb)
Definition
to be of a matching or similar tone
Her sister toned with her in a turquoise print dress.
Synonyms
harmonize
The music had to harmonize with the seasons.
match
Their strengths in memory and spatial skills matched.
blend
Make sure all the patches blend together
suit
I don't think a sedentary life would altogether suit me.
go well with
Phrasal verbs
See tone something down
See tone something up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of accent
Definition
the distinctive style of pronunciation of a person or group from a particular area, country, or social background
He has developed a slight American accent.
Synonyms
pronunciation,
tone,
articulation,
inflection,
brogue,
intonation,
diction,
modulation,
elocution,
enunciation,
accentuation
in the sense of air
Definition
a distinctive quality, appearance, or manner
The meal gave the occasion an almost festive air.
Synonyms
manner,
feeling,
effect,
style,
quality,
character,
bearing,
appearance,
look,
aspect,
atmosphere,
tone,
mood,
impression,
flavour,
aura,
ambience,
demeanour,
vibe (slang)
in the sense of approach
Definition
a way of dealing with a matter
We will be exploring different approaches to information-gathering.
Synonyms
way,
means,
course,
style,
attitude,
method,
technique,
manner,
procedure,
mode,
modus operandi
Synonyms of 'tone'
tone
Explore 'tone' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of aspect
Definition
appearance or look
The snowy tree assumed a lifeless aspect.
Synonyms
appearance,
look,
air,
condition,
quality,
bearing,
attitude,
cast,
manner,
expression,
countenance (literary),
demeanour,
mien (literary)
in the sense of attitude
Definition
a hostile manner
He has a gentle attitude.
Synonyms
manner,
air,
condition,
bearing,
aspect,
carriage,
disposition,
demeanour,
mien (literary)
in the sense of blend
Definition
to look good together
Make sure all the patches blend together
Synonyms
go well,
match,
fit,
suit,
go with,
correspond,
complement,
coordinate,
tone in,
harmonize,
cohere
in the sense of effect
Definition
basic meaning or purpose
He told me to get lost, or words to that effect.
Synonyms
purpose,
meaning,
impression,
sense,
import,
drift,
intent,
essence,
thread,
tenor,
purport
in the sense of emphasis
Definition
stress on a particular syllable, word, or phrase in speaking
The emphasis is on the first syllable of the word.
Synonyms
stress,
accent,
accentuation,
force,
weight
in the sense of feel
Definition
an impression
He wanted to get the feel of the place.
Synonyms
impression,
feeling,
air,
sense,
quality,
atmosphere,
mood,
aura,
ambience,
vibes (slang)
in the sense of force
Definition
strength or power
slamming the door behind her with all her force
Synonyms
power,
might,
pressure,
energy,
stress,
strength,
impact,
muscle,
momentum,
impulse,
stimulus,
vigour,
potency,
dynamism,
welly (slang),
life
in the sense of grain
Synonyms
inclination,
character,
make-up,
humour,
temper,
disposition
in the sense of hue
Definition
a shade of a colour
The same hue will look different in different lights.
Synonyms
colour,
tone,
shade,
dye,
tint,
tinge,
tincture
in the sense of inflection
Definition
change in the pitch of the voice
His voice was devoid of inflection.
Synonyms
intonation,
stress,
emphasis,
beat,
measure,
rhythm,
cadence,
modulation,
accentuation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of intonation
Definition
the act of intoning
His voice had a very slight German intonation.
Synonyms
tone,
inflection,
cadence,
modulation,
accentuation
in the sense of manner
Definition
a person's bearing and behaviour
His manner was self-assured and brusque.
Synonyms
behaviour,
look,
air,
bearing,
conduct,
appearance,
aspect,
presence,
tone,
demeanour,
deportment,
mien (literary),
comportment
in the sense of match
Definition
to resemble, harmonize with, or equal one another or something else
Their strengths in memory and spatial skills matched.
Synonyms
correspond,
agree,
accord,
square,
coincide,
tally,
conform,
match up,
be compatible,
harmonize,
be consonant
in the sense of mood
Definition
a prevailing atmosphere or feeling
First set the mood with some music.
Synonyms
atmosphere,
feeling,
feel,
spirit,
tone,
climate,
flavour,
tenor,
aura,
ambience
in the sense of quality
Definition
the basic character or nature of something
The pretentious quality of the poetry.
Synonyms
nature,
character,
constitution,
make,
sort,
kind,
worth,
description,
essence
in the sense of shade
Definition
any of the different hues of a colour
The walls were painted in two shades of green.
Synonyms
hue,
tone,
colour,
tint
in the sense of spirit
Definition
a shared feeling
I appreciate the sounds, smells and the spirit of the place.
Synonyms
feeling,
atmosphere,
character,
feel,
quality,
tone,
mood,
flavour,
tenor,
ambience,
vibes (slang)
in the sense of stress
Definition
special emphasis or significance
schools that put more stress on practical activities
Synonyms
emphasis,
importance,
significance,
force,
weight,
urgency
in the sense of style
Definition
a form of appearance, design, or production
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
Synonyms
type,
sort,
kind,
spirit,
pattern,
variety,
appearance,
tone,
strain,
category,
characteristic,
genre,
tenor
in the sense of suit
Definition
to be fit or appropriate for
I don't think a sedentary life would altogether suit me.
Synonyms
agree with,
become,
match,
go with,
correspond with,
conform to,
befit,
harmonize with
Additional synonyms
in the sense of temper
Definition
a person's frame of mind
He's known for his placid temper.
Synonyms
frame of mind,
character,
nature,
attitude,
mind,
mood,
constitution,
humour,
vein,
temperament,
tenor,
disposition
in the sense of timbre
Definition
the distinctive quality of sound produced by a particular voice or musical instrument
His voice had a deep timbre.
Synonyms
tone,
sound,
ring,
resonance,
colour,
tonality,
tone colour,
quality of sound
in the sense of tinge
Definition
a slight tint or colouring
His skin had an unhealthy greyish tinge.
Synonyms
tint,
colour,
shade,
cast,
wash,
stain,
dye,
tincture
in the sense of tint
Definition
a shade of a colour, esp. a pale one
Its large leaves often show a delicate purple tint.