Meaning
“Tone down” means to make something less strong, less extreme, or less intense. It is often used when referring to language, behavior, appearance, or style.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Phrasal verb
- Structure: tone down + noun
- Can also be used in passive form: be toned down
Examples of usage:
- tone down one’s language
- tone down the colors
- be toned down for the audience
Common Phrases
- tone down criticism
- tone down the design
- tone down your speech
- tone down excitement
Collocations
- Verb + tone down: try to tone down, need to tone down
- Noun + tone down: tone down language, tone down behavior
- Adjective + tone down: slightly toned down, carefully toned down
Examples
- The teacher asked him to tone down his aggressive remarks.
- She decided to tone down the bright colors of her outfit for the formal event.
- The article was toned down before being published to avoid controversy.
- He tried to tone down his excitement during the meeting.
- Please tone down your voice; the baby is sleeping.
- The comedian had to tone down his jokes for the children’s show.
- They toned down the advertisement after receiving complaints.
Synonyms or Related
- soften
- moderate
- reduce
- diminish
- play down
Antonym
- exaggerate
- intensify
- amplify
- overstate