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English
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tones

|tones|

B1

🇺🇸

/toʊnz/

🇬🇧

/təʊnz/

(tone)

firmness, color hue

Base FormPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
tonetonestonestonestonedtonedtoning
Etymology
Etymology Information

'tone' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tonus', where 'tonus' meant 'sound' or 'tone'.

Historical Evolution

'tonus' transformed into the Old French word 'ton', and eventually became the modern English word 'tone'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'sound' or 'tone', but over time it evolved to include meanings related to color and mood.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality or character of sound.

The tones of the piano were rich and full.

Synonyms

soundpitchtimbre

Verb 1

third person singular form of 'tone', meaning to give a particular tone or quality to.

She tones her voice to sound more authoritative.

Synonyms

modulateadjust

Examples

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Idioms

tone it down

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45