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Definition of tone
1 : vocal or musical sound of a specific quality spoke in low tones masculine tones; especially : musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression
2a : a sound of definite pitch and vibrationb : whole step
3 : accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion
4 : style or manner of expression in speaking or writing seemed wise to adopt a conciliatory tone
5 : a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence high tone low tone mid tone low-rising tone falling tone
6 : the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning
7a (1) : color quality or value (2) : a tint or shade of colorb : the color that appreciably modifies a hue or white or black gray walls of greenish tone
8 : the effect in painting of light and shade together with color
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Examples of tone in a Sentence
He replied in a friendly tone.
They spoke in hushed tones.
Don't use that rude tone of voice with me.
the low tones of an organ
The speech had religious tones to it.
The author's tone shows her attitude toward the subject.
The professor's condescending tone irritated some students.
a bright, dark, or light tone of blue
the soft tones of the painting
Recent Examples of tone from the Web
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Tillerson struck a more diplomatic tone, calling on Saudi Arabia and the others to ease their blockade of Qatar while urging everyone to do more to stop funding for extremism.
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With 15 new Ken dolls, featuring three body types – slim, broad and original – and a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hairstyles and modern fashion looks, this is the most diverse Ken lineup to date.
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The person added that the radio and television ads against Heller took a milder tone than the initial social media campaign, simply urging voters to call him to express their frustrations.
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Butler was traded to the Timberwolves on Friday, bringing a bittersweet tone to both players' sightseeing and city-hopping around Europe this summer.
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Skin tones can change a LED light's ability to accurately read heart rates.
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Beside it, a buffalo skull adorned with brown distressed leather accented by seed beads of cream, green, brown and other earthen tones along with mineral and gemstones.
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Her tone became less passionate than bullying, her praise less extravagant than excessive.
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Quint’s warmth of tone centered the work, as did his control of the shifting attitudes, darkening and strengthening during gut-tightening ascents, yet capable of the most fragile pianissimo.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tone'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of tone
Middle English, from Anglo-French tun, ton, from Latin tonus tension, tone, from Greek tonos, literally, act of stretching; akin to Greek teinein to stretch — more at thin
tone
Definition of tone
toned
;toning
transitive verb
1a : to impart tone to : strengthen medicine to tone up the systemb : to soften or reduce in intensity, color, appearance, or sound : mellow —often used with downc : to change the normal silver image of (something, such as a photographic print) into a colored image
2 : to give a particular intonation or inflection to
3 : intone
intransitive verb
1 : to assume a pleasing color quality or tint
2 : to blend or harmonize in color
First Known Use of tone
1660
Tone
playDefinition of Tone
(Theobald) Wolfe 1763–1798 Irish revolutionary
TONE Defined for English Language Learners
tone
playDefinition of tone for English Language Learners
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: the quality of a person's voice
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: the quality of a sound produced by a musical instrument or singing voice
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: a quality, feeling, or attitude expressed by the words that someone uses in speaking or writing
tone
Definition of tone for English Language Learners
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: to give strength and firmness to (something, such as muscles or skin)
TONE Defined for Kids
Definition of tone for Students
1 : an individual way of speaking or writing especially when used to express an emotion He replied in a friendly tone.
2 : common character or quality There was a polite tone to the discussions.
3 : quality of spoken or musical sound
4 : a sound on one pitch
5 : a shade of color The room is decorated in soft tones.
6 : a color that changes another It's gray with a blue tone.
7 : a healthy state of the body or any of its parts He has good muscle tone.
Definition of tone for Students
toned
;toning
: to give a healthy state to : strengthen She exercised to tone up her muscles.
tone down
: to soften or blend in color, appearance, or sound Can you tone down the music?
Medical Dictionary
tone
Medical Definition of tone
toned
;toning
: to impart tone to tone the muscles
Learn More about tone
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See words that rhyme with tone Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tone Spanish Central: Translation of tone Nglish: Translation of tone for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tone for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tone
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