set the tone

idiom

Definition of set the tone

: to establish a quality, feeling, or attitude by a manner of speaking or writing Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Learn More about set the tone

Dictionary Entries near set the tone

set the pattern

set the seal on

set the wheels in motion

set the world alight

set the world on fire

Statistics for set the tone

Look-up Popularity

Comments on set the tone

What made you want to look up set the tone? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

secrete

to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

Name these cookies!

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games