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tone of voice — the quality or character of a person's voice as it expresses their feelings or attitude

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the quality or character of a person's voice as it expresses their feelings or attitude

Pronunciation (IPA): /toʊn əv vɔɪs/

Example Sentences

  • The teacher's tone of voice made even the math homework sound exciting.
  • His apologetic tone of voice didn't match the fact that he ate my lunch again.
  • Your tone of voice during the presentation will determine how the audience responds.

tone of voice

NOUN

[/toʊn əv vɔɪs/]

the quality or character of a person's voice as it expresses their feelings or attitude

Her gentle tone of voice calmed the crying child instantly.
💡 Concept

Her gentle tone of voice calmed the crying child instantly.

Your tone of voice shapes every choice!
🎵 Rhyme

Your tone of voice shapes every choice!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/toʊn əv vɔɪs/
🇬🇧 UK/təʊn əv vɔɪs/

🌳Etymology

Origin

Tone derives from Greek tonos, meaning tension or pitch, while voice comes from Latin vox, meaning sound or voice. The compound phrase 'tone of voice' emerged in modern English to describe the characteristic quality and manner in which someone speaks.

Breakdown

tone (from Greek tonos: tension, pitch) + voice (from Latin vox: sound, voice). Together they form a compound phrase expressing the auditory and emotional quality of speech.

🎵Rhyme

choice
voice
noise

🔗Collocations

harsh tone of voice
gentle tone of voice
sarcastic tone of voice
change one's tone of voice
friendly tone of voice
professional tone of voice

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The teacher's tone of voice made even the math homework sound exciting.”

😄 Fun example

“His apologetic tone of voice didn't match the fact that he ate my lunch again.”

“Your tone of voice during the presentation will determine how the audience responds.”

😄 Fun example

“She could tell from his tone of voice that he was lying about finishing his vegetables.”

📚Related Words

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