flat-tone
|flat-tone|
🇺🇸
/ˈflæt.toʊn/
🇬🇧
/ˈflæt.təʊn/
unvarying, level sound
Etymology
'flat-tone' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of 'flat' and 'tone', where 'flat' meant 'level, without rise' and 'tone' meant 'sound, pitch'.
'flat' traces back to Old English/Old Norse words (e.g. Old English 'flæte' / Old Norse 'flatr') meaning 'broad, level'; 'tone' comes from Greek 'tonos' via Latin 'tonus' and Old French 'ton', originally referring to 'stretching' and then 'pitch' or 'sound'. Over time English formed the compound 'flat' + 'tone' to describe an even, unvaried sound.
Initially the elements referred simply to 'level' and 'sound' respectively; over time the compound came to be used specifically for sounds or speech that are 'lacking variation or emotional expression'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sound or manner of speaking that is unvaried in pitch or expression; a monotonous, emotionless tone.
The actor's flat-tone during the monologue left the audience unmoved.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
describing a voice or sound that lacks variation in pitch or emotional expression; dull or expressionless.
She gave a flat-tone response to the surprising news.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/22 10:10