tone

• Nom désignant la qualité, la hauteur ou le caractère d'un son, d'une voix ou d'une note de musique, ainsi que l'ambiance générale ou l'attitude exprimée dans un texte ou un discours.

A noun referring to the quality, pitch, or character of a sound, voice, or musical note, or to the general mood or attitude of a piece of writing or speech.

1. Sound qualityA2formal

   The quality of a sound, especially of a musical instrument or voice.

   Timbre (sonore)

   • The piano has a beautiful tone.
   • She spoke in a soft tone.
   • The tone of the guitar was rich and warm.

   Synonymesresonancesonoritysoundtimbretonality

2. Attitude or moodB1formal

   The general attitude or feeling expressed in speech or writing.

   ton

   • His tone was angry and aggressive.
   • The tone of the letter was very formal.
   • She used a sarcastic tone when she replied.

   Synonymesairattitudefeelmannermoodqualityspirittempertenorvein

3. Color shadeB1formal

   A particular shade or intensity of a color.

   teinte (d'une couleur)

   • The room was painted in warm tones of yellow.
   • She chose a lighter tone of blue for the walls.
   • The artist used earthy tones in the landscape.

   Synonymescastcolorhueshadetingetint

4. Muscle firmnessB2formalmedical

   The normal state of firmness and slight tension in a resting muscle.

   Tonus musculaire

   • Exercise helps improve muscle tone.
   • She has good muscle tone from regular workouts.
   • The doctor checked the tone of his muscles.

   Synonymesfirmnesstensiontonus

• Verbe utilisé pour indiquer le fait de donner à quelque chose une certaine qualité, un caractère ou une nuance, souvent en relation avec la couleur, le son ou la tonicité des muscles, ou encore pour accorder, harmoniser ou renforcer.

A verb used to indicate the act of giving a particular quality, character, or shade to something, often in terms of color, sound, or muscle firmness.

1. Strengthen or firm upB1formal

   To make the body or muscles firmer and stronger through exercise.

   tonifier

   • She does yoga to tone her muscles.
   • Regular exercise helps tone your body.
   • He uses weights to tone his arms.

   Synonymesbracebuildconditionfirmstrengthentighten

   Antonymessoftenweaken

2. Adjust color or shadeB2formal

   To change the color or shade of something, especially in photography or design.

   Nuancer (couleur)

   • The photographer toned the image to give it a vintage look.
   • She toned down the bright colors in the painting.
   • The editor toned the photo to match the magazine's style.

   Synonymescolordyegradeshadetintwash

   Antonymesbleachfade

3. Modify sound or pitchB2formal

   To adjust the sound quality, pitch, or volume of a voice or instrument.

   Modifier le son ou la hauteur

   • The singer toned her voice to hit the high notes.
   • He toned the guitar to a lower pitch.
   • The speaker toned down his voice to sound more soothing.

   Synonymesadjustinflectmodulatepitchtune

Variantes phrasaltone downtone up