Tone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🎵
tone
[təʊn ]
Definitions
sound
The distinctive quality of the sound produced by a particular instrument or voice.
Synonyms
sound quality, timbre.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tone |
Similar to the first entry, 'tone' can also refer to the specific color or quality of sound in music and speech. Additionally, it can indicate the attitude or emotional state reflected in someone's voice or writing.
|
| sound quality |
Refers to the overall clarity and fidelity of audio. It is commonly used when discussing recordings, playback equipment, or sound systems.
|
| timbre |
Used primarily in music and acoustics to describe the unique quality or color of a sound that distinguishes it from others, even if they have the same pitch and loudness.
|
Examples of usage
- The tone of her voice was soothing and calming.
- I could recognize the tone of his guitar from a mile away.
literature
The general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tone |
Used to describe the general character or attitude of a piece of writing, speech, or conversation. It often refers to the choice of words and the style in which something is said.
|
| mood |
Refers to the temporary state of mind or feeling of a person or character in a story, as well as the emotional setting created by an environment or situation.
|
| atmosphere |
Describes the overall feeling or environment of a place, situation, or event. It often conveys a sense of emotional ambiance or physical surroundings.
|
Examples of usage
- The tone of the novel was dark and melancholic.
- The humorous tone of the speech lightened the mood of the audience.
communication
To give a particular character or style to something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tone |
Used when referring to adjusting the quality, pitch, or character of a sound, or to describe the overall feel or mood of something.
|
| adjust |
Used in situations where minor changes or corrections are made to improve something or make it more suitable.
|
| modulate |
Used when referring to changing the strength, volume, or pitch of the voice or an electronic signal. It has a slightly technical feeling.
|
Examples of usage
- She tried to tone down her message to make it more acceptable.
- He toned his artwork with vibrant colors.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Music
- In music, tone describes the quality and character of a sound, distinguishing a piano note from a guitar note.
- Music theory uses the concept of 'tone' to create scales and harmonies, crucial for composers and musicians.
- Different instruments can produce the same note but have varying tones, contributing to the overall sound of an orchestra.
Psychology
- Tone can reveal a person's emotional state, as a calm tone often indicates peace, while a harsh tone can suggest anger.
- Research shows that tone can greatly influence perceptions in social interactions, affecting the outcomes of conversations.
- Studies find that listeners often interpret the message more from tone than from the actual words spoken.
Literature
- In literature, tone helps set the mood of a story, guiding how readers feel about characters and events.
- Authors use a specific tone to convey themes; for instance, a sarcastic tone can highlight absurdities in life.
- Different genres often employ distinct tones, like the lighthearted tone of a children's book versus the serious tone in a mystery novel.
Communication
- Tone is essential in non-verbal communication, as body language can complement or contradict spoken words.
- In digital communication, tone can be lost, leading to misunderstandings in texts and emails.
- Training in tone modulation is common in public speaking, enhancing a speaker's ability to connect with their audience.
Origin of 'tone'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'tonus,' meaning 'tension' or 'sound,' showing its deep roots in music and sound.
- In older English, 'tone' referred to the quality of sound or the way something feels when you hear it.
- The modern use of 'tone' in writing began in the 19th century, emphasizing how the author's attitude affects the reader.
The word 'tone' originated from the Latin word 'tonus', meaning 'a sound, tone, accent'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the quality of sound, the character or attitude of something, and the act of giving something a particular character or style. 'Tone' is a versatile word used in various contexts, from music to literature to communication.