Tone

Definition

Tone refers to the quality, character, or pitch of sound; the general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, or situation; or the level of muscle tension in the body.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /toʊn/
• Respelling: TOHN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /təʊn/
• Respelling: TOHN

Etymology

The word "tone" originates from the Latin "tonus," meaning "sound" or "tone," derived from Greek "tonos," meaning "stretch" or "strain," often referring to tension in strings producing sound. It entered English through Old French in the late Middle Ages.

Derivatives

• Tonal (adjective)
• Tonality (noun)
• Tonalist (noun)
• Toneless (adjective)
• Retone (verb)

Synonyms

• Pitch
• Attitude
• Quality

Antonyms

• Dissonance
• Discord
• None

Usage

The word "tone" is versatile and used in various contexts. In music, it refers to the pitch or quality of sound, e.g., "The guitar has a warm tone." In writing, it indicates the attitude or character, e.g., "The essay had a formal tone." It is also used in physiology, e.g., "Muscle tone decreases with inactivity."

Related Terms

• Pitch: The highness or lowness of a sound.
• Accent: A distinctive way of pronunciation or emphasis.
• Timbre: The quality or color of a sound.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The quality or character of sound: Refers to the pitch or timbre of a sound.
  • Example: "Her voice had a soothing tone."
• The general attitude or character of a piece of writing or speech: Refers to the emotional or intellectual aspect conveyed.
  • Example: "The speech had a hopeful tone."
• The level of muscle tension in the body: Refers to the state of partial contraction in resting muscles.
  • Example: "Physical therapy improved her muscle tone."

Verb

• To give a specific character or quality to something: Refers to influencing or modifying the quality or attitude.
  • Example: "The lighting was toned to create a calm atmosphere."
• To strengthen or firm muscles through exercise: Refers to improving physical condition.
  • Example: "She toned her arms with regular workouts."