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tone

/təʊn/

When referring to a sound or an attitude, 'tone' is usually a countable noun (e.g., "a harsh tone"). When discussing physical fitness and muscle strength, 'tone' is often used as an uncountable noun (e.g., "improving muscle tone"). The verb form is frequently used in the phrasal verb "tone down," which means to make something less intense or offensive.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Victoria is in a board meeting while David is at his desk.
Victoria

Your email to the client was way too casual. Fix the tone or I'll do it for you.

Victoria
David
David

My bad. I was just trying to leverage a more synergistic vibe.

💡
Victoria is criticizing the 'tone' (the general character or attitude) of David's professional communication. David responds using corporate buzzwords ('leverage', 'synergistic'), which contrasts with Victoria's direct and authoritative style.

Meanings

noun

The quality of a sound, particularly its pitch or loudness.

"She spoke in a low, soothing tone to calm the baby."

noun

The general character or attitude of a piece of writing or a situation.

"The tone of the meeting was unexpectedly hostile."

noun

The firmness or tension of a muscle.

"Regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone."

verb (transitive)

To give a particular character or mood to something.

"He tried to tone down the language in his report to avoid offending anyone."

verb (transitive)

To make a muscle firmer or stronger through exercise.

"These exercises are designed to tone your abdominal muscles."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error