- tone
- I UK [təʊn] / US [toʊn]
noun
Word forms "tone":
singular tone plural tones
***
1)a) [countable/uncountable] the sound of someone's voice that shows what they are feelinga tone of voice:Meredith trembled at the tenderness in his tone.
"Really?" Simone said in a surprised tone of voice.
Don't you take that tone of voice with me (= don't speak to me so rudely)!
b) the type of sound that someone makes with their voice in a particular situationThey were sitting close together, talking in hushed tones.
2)a) [singular/uncountable] the general character of a place or eventset the tone (for something):The positive tone of the evening had changed completely.
raise/lower the tone (of something):The opening remarks set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Trust you to lower the tone of the whole conversation!
b) the general attitude shown by a piece of writingin tone:Much of his writing has a rather strident tone to it.
Their next letter was more optimistic in tone.
3) [countable/uncountable] music the quality of the sound made by a musical instrument, voice, or piece of electronic equipmenta flute with a clear bright tone
4) [countable] a sound made by a piece of equipment as a signal or warningI picked up the phone and just got a beeping tone.
the engaged tone (= the sound you hear when the number you want to telephone is being used):The answering machine said to leave a message after the tone.
I keep getting the engaged tone.
5) [countable] a colour or a particular shade (= type) of a coloura tweed coat in subtle tones of purple and green
her olive skin tone
6) [countable] music an amount equal to two semitones by which a musical note is higher or lower than another note7) [uncountable] the firm or healthy quality of your body, muscles, or skinmuscle/skin tone:The patient's general muscle tone is good.
8) [countable/uncountable] linguistics the degree to which the sound of a word or part of a word is high or lowYou use a rising tone in English to indicate a question.
II UK [təʊn] / US [toʊn] verb
Word forms "tone":
present tense I/you/we/they tone he/she/it tones present participle toning past tense toned past participle toned1) tone or tone up[transitive] to make your body, muscles, or skin more firm and healthyShe quickly and efficiently cleansed, toned, and moisturized her face.
I'm taking an aerobics class to help tone my muscles.
2) tone or tone in[intransitive] British if something tones with something else they look good together because their colours are similar tone with:Phrasal verbs:The flowers toned perfectly with the Mexican rug.
- tone in- tone up
English dictionary. 2014.