释义 |
tone1 nountone2 verb tonetone1 /təʊn $ toʊn/ ●●○ S3 W2 noun tone1Origin: 1200-1300 Latin tonus ‘tension, tone’, from Greek tonos - ''This is Julia'', Jo said, in a friendly tone.
- A lighter tone of yellow would look better in the kitchen.
- He kept his tone formal.
- His tone was hesitant.
- I often detect a tone of regret in her voice.
- Mary ushered her into the church, speaking in hushed tones.
- She was almost hypnotised by his mellow tone of voice.
- She was speaking in a rather irritated tone.
- Swimming improves your muscle tone.
- The tone of the play is very moralistic.
- Tony's guitar has a nice tone.
- As a whole, body outline and tone show a horse's level of excitement, while other cues indicate the reasons.
- He did not mind being flippant about New York, but disliked to hear any one else take the same tone.
- Her shabby appearance and the battered portmanteau had weighed heavily against the genteel tone of her voice.
- The natural color of the clay communicates its earthy source and the smoky black tones on the surface suggest an ancient origin.
- There was a general tone of ill-concealed glee in the reporting of this most spectacular flop in the corporation's history.
- When he called at noon, her answering machine emitted a long series of beeps followed by a dial tone.
► colour red, blue, yellow etc: · Blue is my favourite colour.· Matisse was famous for his use of colour. ► shade a particular type of a colour: · The dress is a light shade of pink.· He uses different shades of green. ► hue literary technical a particular colour or shade of a colour: · Her face had lost its golden hue. ► tint a small amount of a colour in something that is mostly another colour: · He wears sunglasses that have a pinky-orange tint. ► tone one of the many different shades of a colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next: · Carpets in neutral tones give a feeling of space. the sounds someone makes when they speak► voice · She has a very high, squeaky voice.· I could hear Dan's angry voice shouting ''stupid idiot''.· There was a note of irritation in her voice.· She was startled to hear voices coming from upstairs.in a loud/high/deep etc voice · ''Sorry I'm late'', she said, in a low voice. ► tone the way someone speaks, especially when this shows the way they feel: · He kept his tone formal.tone of: · I often detect a tone of regret in her voice.in an friendly/angry/embarrassed etc tone: · ''This is Julia'', Jo said, in a friendly tone.· She was speaking in a rather irritated tone.in hushed tones (=quietly): · Mary ushered her into the church, speaking in hushed tones.tone of voice: · She was almost hypnotised by his mellow tone of voice. ► Coloursamber, nounamethyst, nounapricot, nounaquamarine, nounashen, adjectiveauburn, adjectiveazure, adjectivebar, nounbarred, adjectivebeige, nounblack, adjectiveblack, nounblack, verbblack and white, adjectiveblacken, verbbleed, verbblood-red, adjectiveblue, adjectiveblue, nounbluish, adjectivebold, adjectivebottle green, nounbrassy, adjectivebrindled, adjectivebronze, nounbronze, adjectivebrown, adjectivebrown, nounbuff, nounburgundy, nouncarmine, nouncarroty, adjectivecerise, nouncerulean, nounchartreuse, nouncherry, nounchestnut, nounchestnut, adjectivechromatic, adjectivechrome yellow, nounclaret, nounclear, adjectivecoffee, nouncool, adjectivecopper, nouncoral, adjectivecream, adjectivecreamy, adjectivecrimson, adjectivecyan, adjectivedappled, adjectivedapple-grey, nounDay-Glo, adjectivediscoloration, noundiscolour, verbdrab, adjectivedull, adjectivedun, noundusky, adjectivedye, verbebony, adjectivefawn, adjectiveflaxen, adjectiveflesh-coloured, adjectiveflorid, adjectivefluorescent, adjectiveflush, nounfuchsia, noungarish, adjectivegarnet, noungaudy, adjectivegay, adjectiveginger, adjectivegold, noungold, adjectivegolden, adjectivegray, green, adjectivegreen, noungreenish, adjectivegrey, adjectivegrey, noungreyish, adjectivehazel, adjectiveindigo, nouniridescent, adjectiveivory, nounjade, nounjet-black, adjectivekhaki, nounlavender, nounleaden, adjectivelemon, nounlilac, nounlily-white, adjectivelime green, nounlivid, adjectiveloud, adjectiveluminous, adjectivelurid, adjectivemagenta, nounmagnolia, nounmahogany, nounmaroon, nounmatch, nounmauve, nounmellow, adjectivemellow, verbmonochrome, adjectivemousy, adjectivemuddy, adjectivemulticoloured, adjectivemustard, nounmuted, adjectivenavy blue, adjectiveneutral, adjectiveochre, nounoff-white, nounolive, nounopalescent, adjectiveorange, nounpale, adjectivepastel, nounpastel, adjectivepeach, nounpea green, nounpearly, adjectivepepper-and-salt, adjectivepink, adjectivepink, nounpinkish, adjectiveplum, nounplum, adjectivepowder blue, nounprimary colour, nounprimrose, nounprismatic, adjectivepuce, adjectivepure, adjectivepurple, nounpurplish, adjectivered, adjectivered, nounredden, verbreddish, adjectiveredhead, nounrestrained, adjectiverich, adjectiverose, nounrose, adjectiveroseate, adjectiverose-coloured, adjectiverosy, adjectiveroyal blue, nounruby, nounruddy, adjectiverusset, nounsable, adjectivesaffron, nounscarlet, adjectivesepia, nounshade, nounshocking pink, nounsienna, nounsilver, nounsilver, adjectivesilvery, adjectivesky-blue, adjectivesnow-white, adjectivesnowy, adjectivesoft, adjectivesombre, adjectivesteely, adjectivetaupe, nountawny, adjectiveteal, nountint, nountint, verbtone, nounturquoise, nountwo-tone, adjectiveultramarine, nounumber, nounvermilion, nounvibrant, adjectiveviolet, nounwarm, adjectivewaxen, adjectiveweak, adjectivewhite, adjectivewhite, nounwhiten, verbwhitish, adjectiveyellow, adjectiveyellow, nounyellow, verbyellowy, adjective Meanings 1 & 2adjectives► conversational (=informal and friendly)· I tried to keep my tone pleasant and conversational. ► conciliatory (=showing that you do not want to be involved in an argument with someone)· She used a more conciliatory tone. ► matter-of-fact (=showing no emotion when what you are saying is exciting, frightening, upsetting, etc)· His tone was matter-of-fact, but she noticed he was shaking. ► measured (=very carefully controlled)· He spoke slowly, in a calm and measured tone. ► clipped tones (=quick and clear, but not very friendly)· Davis’s secretary informed him in clipped tones: ‘Mr Davis is not here.’ ► low/quiet/hushed tones· They sat at the far end of the carriage, talking in hushed tones. ► somebody’s dulcet tones (=a very sweet and gentle voice – often used humorously to mean the opposite)· I could hear Martha’s dulcet tones bellowing that dinner was ready. phrases► a tone of voice· Try talking to the child in a firm but soothing tone of voice. ► conciliatory approach/tone/gesture etc Perhaps you should adopt a more conciliatory approach. ► engaged tone/signal (=the sound you hear when the phone is engaged) ► frosty stare/look/tone He gave me a frosty stare. ► harsh voice/laugh/tone etc His voice was harsh and menacing. ► hushed tones/voice/whispers etc (=quiet speech) They spoke in hushed tones at the table. ► matter-of-fact voice/tone Use a matter-of-fact tone when disciplining your children. ► in measured tones She spoke in measured tones. ► muscle tone (=the firmness of your muscles)· Swimming is good exercise for improving muscle tone. ► set the tone (=establish a general mood or feeling)· The gloomy first chapter sets the tone for the rest of the novel. ► skin tone (=how light or dark someone’s skin is)· Do the colours of your clothes enhance your skin tone? ► somebody’s tone of voice· His tone of voice was aggressive. ADJECTIVE► conciliatory· By mid 1972 Soviet spokesmen adopted a more conciliatory tone.· I said in a conciliatory tone.· A conciliatory tone should he adopted for a letter of adjustment.· It was not an accusatory or unforgiving piece of writing and it was in fact rather moderate and conciliatory in its tone. ► different· Layers of colour, white, reds and vast expanses of different tones of green.· As a story, it takes on a different tone, but is still enchanting.· And how different the tone of the two men and their two suicides!· The stains are available in different wood tones, but all of them allow the grain to show through.· Leading opponents of the trade, however, also adopted a different tone.· You can experiment with the creation of different tones and moods in your three allotted lines.· The reaction against Restoration licentiousness gave a very different tone to the London stage.· Victorian Nonconformity was altogether different in tone and scale from the Old Dissent of 1660-1760. ► harsh· The piano sound is good, if a trifle harsh of tone in places.· In soft passages the effect can be quite beautiful, but with loud and harsh tones the dissonances can be very forceful.· An owner's anger at some feline misdeed usually involves harsh tones and fixed staring. ► light· This wash, also using ox gall, represented the lightest tones of the river.· It gave a sharp, light tone to the modern drum's bass.· The colour of apple also blended very beautifully with the lighter tones of the burr black walnut. ► low· The Thing started to speak in the low, slow tones of human speech.· Each gear is a lower tone, heavier and more laboring.· All through the night he lay awake, twisting and writhing, and moaning in low desperate tones.· A baby with low muscle tone has a slumped posture and is slow to sit up.· The Major encouraged him, then walked him round in a circle, conversing with him in low reassuring tones.· She may appear stiff and perhaps awkward. Low motor tone involves greater flexor tendencies.· He had spoken in so low a tone that only the few near to them had heard him.· A child with low motor tone will appear loose, even floppy. NOUN► dial· Previous years were ok once you got the sought after dial tone.· You should have heard a dial tone, a ringing sound, then burbling tones.· He lifted it carefully and got no dial tone then saw the plungers were taped down.· There was a click, but she stood listening to the dial tone, steadied by its urgent drone.· You should be able to feel the dial tone burr. 2.· When he called at noon, her answering machine emitted a long series of beeps followed by a dial tone.· An old Bakelite telephone responds with a crackling dial tone.· When he tried to call again, he could no longer get a dial tone. ► language· For tone languages, tone frames should be drilled from the outset of the course. ► muscle· We are taken to a place where characters have nice little problems and impressive muscle tone.· Atonic seizures are characterized by a sudden loss of postural muscle tone.· These can be very helpful in cases where lack of muscle tone is the main reason for incontinence.· She also pointed out balance, muscle tone, and motor planning problems.· They looked fantastic, all appealing muscle tone and clean, well-conditioned hair.· A baby with low muscle tone has a slumped posture and is slow to sit up.· Good weight control must be coupled with good nutrition and adequate exercise to maintain muscle tone.· Someday these exigencies will show up as bad skin and collapsed muscle tone. ► skin· Above her elbow, the flesh displayed a normal skin tone.· It seems to be more a matter of personality than skin tone.· The skin tone, the shine on the dark hair, the thick sweep of lashes, were lifelike.· To an outsider, the contrasts of this nation reach far beyond the black and white of skin tones.· You simply press the touch-pad which corresponds to your hair colour and the one which corresponds to your skin tone.· It was as though Norman Rockwell had discovered a new, slightly more tan, skin tone.· Being a water-based mousse, it's ultra light to apply and blends in perfectly with your natural skin tone. VERB► adopt· It wallows in the worst excesses of sentimentality and adopts a moral tone that condemns and condones misbehaviour in the same breath.· Many economists avoid talking about unemployment in public, adopting a rather sheepish tone when forced to confront the issue.· She adopted a hectoring tone and continually interrupted in debates. ► change· You can change the tone of treble or base.· But Caniff changed the tone in 1934, sending Dare on a cruise where he encounters gun smugglers, murderers and kidnappers.· Many languages have the possibility of changing a statement into a question simply by changing the tone from falling to rising.· And when you get within 8 inches it changes to a steady tone.· Our approach had changed the tone of the whole debate.· Rather it is the changed tone of the poetic voice that we notice.· Nigel changed tack and his tone became more accommodating. ► hear· Also I could hear irony in his tone and I thought that for some reason he was very annoyed indeed.· While your body is being monitored by biofeedback instruments, you hear a gentle tone.· Denis could hear the tone of sarcastic relish in his voice.· You should have heard a dial tone, a ringing sound, then burbling tones.· If you are musically inclined, you might hear sounds or tones.· Every evening he tuned in, hoping to hear her smart tones reporting on the world of law.· In the same way, we can not hear very low tones.· From the dark of the closet Carlos has heard tones, not content; known presences, not personalities. ► hush· Business details, money, in hushed tones.· From her hushed and protective tone I knew immediately it was Michael.· Anyone who dares defend this breakthrough speaks in hushed tones, fearing crank calls and canceled grants. ► lower· Far from lowering the tone, the changes are set to improve it. ► set· This work will set the tone for the new structure, and I hope can be completed well within two months.· The back row set the tone of the class because it acted throughout as one, indivisible, incredibly noisy unit.· We have set the tone for the future, and that is to be greatly welcomed.· We set the tone at the Tory Conferences and the other parties have followed suit.· The first day was always important, it set the tone for the whole year.· The first and most dramatic, in early June, set the tone for the rest.· But the stand which really set the tone was the third-wicket pairing of Stewart and Smith. ► speak· He speaks in tones which, whatever else can be said of them, are unambiguous.· So why do so many of his own White House associates speak of him in tones of regret?· She spoke in a metallic tone of almost cynical exasperation, fixing Ludens with her intense dark stare.· Imagine a president who claims to be normal and still speaks in an authoritative tone of voice.· She had never heard Louise speak in this tone of voice before.· Robinson begins the lengthy questionnaire, speaking in a sympathetic tone that is disarmingly neutral.· No one knowing how to react, all speaking in low tones with solemn faces.· And liberals have long been accustomed to expect the poor to speak in the resounding tones of a vast majority. ► raise/lower the tone (of something)- Far from lowering the tone, the changes are set to improve it.
► acid remark/comment/tone etc► somebody’s dulcet tones► lower the tone (of something)- Far from lowering the tone, the changes are set to improve it.
1voice [countable] the way your voice sounds, which shows how you are feeling or what you meanin a ... tone ‘You must be Annie,’ he said in a friendly tone.in somebody’s tone There was urgency in his tone. Her tone was sharp with anger. It was obvious from her tone of voice that she didn’t like me.don’t take that tone with me (=do not speak to me in that rude or unpleasant way)2sound [countable, uncountable] the quality of a sound, especially the sound of a musical instrument or someone’s voice → pitch, timbre: the guitar’s clean tonein ... tones They talked in hushed tones. ‘No I didn’t,’ he said in a low tone (=quietly).deep-toned/even-toned/shrill-toned etc (=having a low, calm etc tone) an even-toned voice3general feeling/attitude [singular, uncountable] the general feeling or attitude expressed in a piece of writing, a speech, an activity etctone of The tone of the report was radical. The meetings were noted for their deeply religious tone.in tone The article was moderate in tone.set the tone (for/of something) (=establish the general attitude or feeling of an event, activity etc) Opening remarks are important since they set the tone for the rest of the interview.4colour [countable, uncountable] one of the many types of a particular colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next SYN shade → tonaltone of different tones of green Perhaps a darker tone would be better. your skin tone (=the colour of your skin)in tone The dried colour is slightly deeper in tone than it appears when first applied. → two-tone ► see thesaurus at colour5electronic sound [countable] a sound made by electronic equipment, such as a telephone: Please leave a message after the tone.dialling tone British English, dial tone American English (=the sound you hear when you pick up the telephone that lets you know that you can make a call)engaged tone British English, busy tone American English (=the sound you hear when you telephone someone but they are already talking to someone else)6raise/lower the tone (of something) to make a place or event more or less socially acceptable, attractive etc: That horrible building lowers the whole tone of the neighborhood. Trust you to lower the tone of the conversation (=by making rude remarks etc).7body [uncountable] technical how firm and strong your muscles or skin are: A regular brisk walk will improve muscle tone.8music [countable] technical the difference in pitch between two musical notes that are separated by one key on the piano SYN step American English9voice level [countable] technical how high or low your voice is when you produce different sounds: There is a falling tone on the first syllable and a rising tone on the other.COLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2adjectivesconversational (=informal and friendly)· I tried to keep my tone pleasant and conversational.conciliatory (=showing that you do not want to be involved in an argument with someone)· She used a more conciliatory tone.matter-of-fact (=showing no emotion when what you are saying is exciting, frightening, upsetting, etc)· His tone was matter-of-fact, but she noticed he was shaking.measured (=very carefully controlled)· He spoke slowly, in a calm and measured tone.clipped tones (=quick and clear, but not very friendly)· Davis’s secretary informed him in clipped tones: ‘Mr Davis is not here.’low/quiet/hushed tones· They sat at the far end of the carriage, talking in hushed tones.somebody’s dulcet tones (=a very sweet and gentle voice – often used humorously to mean the opposite)· I could hear Martha’s dulcet tones bellowing that dinner was ready.phrasesa tone of voice· Try talking to the child in a firm but soothing tone of voice.tone1 nountone2 verb tonetone2 (also tone up) verb [transitive] VERB TABLEtone |
Present | I, you, we, they | tone | | he, she, it | tones | Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | toned | Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have toned | | he, she, it | has toned | Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had toned | Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will tone | Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have toned |
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Present | I | am toning | | he, she, it | is toning | | you, we, they | are toning | Past | I, he, she, it | was toning | | you, we, they | were toning | Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been toning | | he, she, it | has been toning | Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been toning | Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be toning | Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been toning |
- It cleanses and tones your skin.
- I find the proof of this use in the general toning down of the color range during the last few years.
- Leaning her head back against the sofa, she closed her eyes, trying consciously to tone down her wild agitation.
- This is not tone 4, it denotes more data present.
to exercise a particular part of your body► exercise if an activity or movement exercises the muscles in your body, it keeps them strong and healthy: · Swimming exercises all the major muscle groups.· Raise your knee to exercise the upper leg and hip. ► firm/tone up to make your body or part of your body firmer: · I'd like to tone up my hips, thighs, and stomach to make a written or spoken statement less forceful► tone down to reduce the effect of a speech or piece of writing, especially by making the language you use less forceful: tone something down: · I felt my letter was worded too strongly, so I toned it down a bit.tone down something: · Wagner was forced to tone down his remarks about his opponent when it became obvious that the attacks were costing him votes. ► moderate to make your language more acceptable, especially by not swearing or being very rude: · We had to ask Joan to moderate her language in front of the kids.· She apologized at once, and moderated her voice. ► dilute to reduce the effect or force of an argument or belief, by accepting additional people, things, or ideas that may make it bigger but also weaker: · Right wing groups are determined to dilute the influence of the trade unions.· They felt that their original aims and demands were being diluted. ► Hair & BeautyAfro, nounaftershave, nounanti-perspirant, nounastringent, adjectiveastringent, nounatomizer, nounauburn, adjectivebackcomb, verbbald, adjectivebalding, adjectivebalm, nounbarber, nounbarbershop, nounbarrette, nounbath, nounbathe, verbbeard, nounbeautician, nounbeautify, verbbeauty contest, nounbeauty mark, nounbeauty parlor, nounbeauty queen, nounbeauty salon, nounbikini line, nounblackhead, nounblond, adjectiveblonde, adjectiveblonde, nounblow-dry, verbblusher, nounbob, verbbob, nounbody, nounbody spray, nounbrilliantine, nounBrylcreem, nounbubble bath, nounbun, nounbuzzcut, nouncleanser, nouncoiffure, nouncold cream, nouncollagen, nouncologne, nouncomb, nouncomb, verbcompact, nouncomplexion, nouncondition, verbconditioner, nouncornrows, nouncosmetic, adjectivecosmetics, nouncosmetic surgery, nouncotton bud, nouncotton wool, nouncream, noundental floss, noundeodorant, noundepilatory, noundimple, noundouble chin, noundowny, adjectiveeau de cologne, nounelectrolysis, nounemery board, nounessential oil, nouneyebrow pencil, nouneyeliner, nouneye shadow, nounface cream, nounfacelift, nounface pack, nounface powder, nounfacial, nounfacial scrub, nounfalse teeth, nounflannel, nounflattop, nounfoam, nounfoundation, nounfragrance, nounfringe, noungel, noungrey, adjectivegrey, verbgrip, nounhairbrush, nounhaircut, nounhairdo, nounhairdresser, nounhairdryer, nounhairgrip, nounhairline, nounhairnet, nounhairpiece, nounhairpin, nounhair slide, nounhairspray, nounhairstyle, nounhealth farm, nounhenna, nounhighlight, verbhirsute, adjectivehydrogen peroxide, nounkinky, adjectiveknot, nounkohl, nounlacquer, nounlacquer, verblank, adjectivelanolin, nounlather, verblayer, verbliner, nounlip gloss, nounliposuction, nounlipstick, nounloofah, nounlotion, nounlowlights, nounmade-up, adjectivemake-up, nounmanicure, nounmanicured, adjectivemascara, nounmedicated, adjectivemilky, adjectivemoisturize, verbmoisturizer, nounmousse, nounmoustache, nounmoustachioed, adjectivemousy, adjectivemouthwash, nounmudbath, nounmudpack, nounmusk, nounmustachioed, adjectivemutton chop whiskers, nounmyrrh, nounnailbrush, nounnail file, nounnail polish, nounnail scissors, nounnit, nounnose job, nounoil, nounointment, nounolive, nounpaint, verbpart, nounpart, verbparting, nounpate, nounpedicure, nounperfume, nounperfume, verbperfumery, nounperm, nounperm, verbpermanent, nounpermanent wave, nounperoxide, nounpigtail, nounplait, nounpomade, nounponytail, nounpowder, verbpowder puff, nounpreen, verbprimp, verbpumice, nounquiff, nounraven, adjectiverazor, nounrecede, verbred, adjectiveredhead, nounrhinoplasty, nounroll-on, nounrosewater, nounrouge, nounscent, nounshampoo, nounshampoo, verbshave, verbshave, nounshaven, adjectiveshaver, nounshaving brush, nounshaving cream, nounshort back and sides, nounshower cap, nounshower gel, nounsideburns, nounskincare, nounslide, nounsoap, verbspa, nounspiky, adjectivesplit ends, nounspray, nounstringy, adjectivestylist, nounsunbed, nounsunblock, nounsunburn, nounsun cream, nounsunglasses, nounsunlamp, nounsunscreen, nounsunshade, nounsuntan, nounsuntan lotion, nounsun-worshipper, nounswarthy, adjectiveswept-back, adjectivetalc, nountalcum powder, nountease, verbtester, nountoilet bag, nountoiletries, nountoilet water, nountone, verbtoner, nountooth, nountoothbrush, nountoothpaste, nountoothpick, nountooth powder, nountweezers, nounvanity case, nounVaseline, nounwar paint, nounwash, nounwave, nounwave, verbwavy, adjectivewax, verbwear, verbwetting solution, nounwhisker, nounwig, nounwrinkle, noun ► conciliatory approach/tone/gesture etc Perhaps you should adopt a more conciliatory approach. ► engaged tone/signal (=the sound you hear when the phone is engaged) ► frosty stare/look/tone He gave me a frosty stare. ► harsh voice/laugh/tone etc His voice was harsh and menacing. ► hushed tones/voice/whispers etc (=quiet speech) They spoke in hushed tones at the table. ► matter-of-fact voice/tone Use a matter-of-fact tone when disciplining your children. ► in measured tones She spoke in measured tones. ► muscle tone (=the firmness of your muscles)· Swimming is good exercise for improving muscle tone. ► set the tone (=establish a general mood or feeling)· The gloomy first chapter sets the tone for the rest of the novel. ► skin tone (=how light or dark someone’s skin is)· Do the colours of your clothes enhance your skin tone? ► somebody’s tone of voice· His tone of voice was aggressive. ADVERB► down· Compaq is seeking an injunction to force Dell to tone down the ads.· I find the proof of this use in the general toning down of the color range during the last few years.· Leaning her head back against the sofa, she closed her eyes, trying consciously to tone down her wild agitation.· Jon Miller, a regular-season Orioles announcer working hard to tone down his emotions, became quite nearly comatose.· Leader comment, page 18 Critics tone down attacks on legal reform plans.· The instinct of Eva's husband, Bee, is to tone down the services and comply with the law.· You needed to tone down the quotes at times to avert a libel writ. ► up· And is it true that you can achieve that long-desired perfect body shape from toning up different areas like thighs and buttocks?· Learn to recognise which areas are toning up and reducing.· This exercise is brilliant for toning up the loose skin under the chin.· Its superb massaging fingers will tone up problem areas such as hips and thighs and also help to stimulate your blood supply.· For toning up the whole body and increasing your stamina, swimming and running are both excellent.· Afterwards she fixed me a potion she promised would tone up my whole system.· The special tonic properties of Phosferine Tonic Wine will also help to tone up your system and give you energy and fitness. NOUN► muscle· Be sure never to rush them, but feel how they are toning and stretching your muscles as never before. ► acid remark/comment/tone etc► somebody’s dulcet tones► lower the tone (of something)- Far from lowering the tone, the changes are set to improve it.
to improve the strength and firmness of your muscles, skin etc: Exercise can strengthen and tone muscles. He began to use weights in order to tone up his body. a well-toned bodytone something ↔ down phrasal verb1to reduce the effect of something such as a speech or piece of writing, so that people will not be offended: His advisers told him to tone down his speech.2to make a colour less bright: Blue can be used to tone down very sunny rooms.tone in phrasal verb British English if one colour or pattern tones in with another, they are similar and look good together SYN complementtone in with Choose candles that will tone in with your tablecloth and china. |