tone
UK: təʊn | US: toʊn
n. the quality or character of sound, especially musical or vocal sound
n. a musical or vocal sound with reference to its pitch, quality, and strength
n. the general character or attitude of something (e.g., speech, writing)
vt. to give a particular tone or inflection to
tone = ton<sound, from Greek tonos> + e<silent, often a noun suffix in English>
Etymology Origin:
The word "tone" originates from the Greek tonos (τόνος), meaning "tension, sound, or pitch." It entered English via Latin tonus and Old French ton, retaining its core meaning related to sound quality. The silent "e" in modern English is a common suffix that does not alter pronunciation but often marks the word as a noun. Over time, "tone" expanded metaphorically to describe the "character" of non-musical things (e.g., speech, writing).
Her voice had a warm, friendly tone.
The piano’s tone was rich and resonant.
The email’s formal tone made it seem impersonal.
He toned his muscles by lifting weights regularly.
The artist used cool tones to create a calming effect.