(tones, toning, toned)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
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.
N-COUNT: with supp, usu pl
2.
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...
Her tone implied that her patience was limited.
N-COUNT: usu with supp
3.
The tone of a speech or piece of writing is its style and the opinions or ideas expressed in it.
The spokesman said the tone of the letter was very friendly...
His comments to reporters were conciliatory in tone...
N-SING: also in N
4.
The tone of a place or an event is its general atmosphere.
The service desk at the entrance, with its friendly, helpful and efficient staff, sets the tone for the rest of the store.
N-SING: the N, usu with supp
5.
The tone of someone's body, especially their muscles, is its degree of firmness and strength.
...stretch exercises that aim to improve muscle tone...
N-UNCOUNT
6.
Something that tones your body makes it firm and strong.
This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves...
Try these toning exercises before you start the day.
...finely toned muscular bodies.
VERB: V n, V-ing, V-ed
•
Tone up means the same as
tone.
Exercise tones up your body...
Although it's not strenuous exercise, you feel toned-up, supple and relaxed.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V-ed P
7.
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...
N-VAR
8.
A tone is one of the sounds that you hear when you are using a telephone, for example the sound that tells you that a number is engaged or busy, or no longer exists.
N-SING: usu with supp
9.
10.
If you say that something lowers the tone of a place or event, you mean that it is not appropriate and makes the place or event seem less respectable.
Councillors say plastic-framed windows lower the tone of the neighbourhood.
PHRASE: V inflects