Please enable javascript to see: 1. Which of the following words best maintains the tone established in this passage. – tone = general feeling | 2. Would you describe the author's tone as...

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tone
in a sentence

Which of the following words best maintains the tone established in this passage.
tone = general feeling

Would you describe the author's tone as more optimistic or more pessimistic?
tone = general feeling or attitude

"Honey, it seems a little too … well, forceful." ... It's not the content of the letter so much as the tone. (source) Carl Hiassen, Hoot, 2002
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

To the average person, Celeste's tone probably sounded sincere, but I could see through it. (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling or attitude

Kit recoiled, as much from his angry tone as from the repulsive words. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

Lenina blushed scarlet; but her eyes, the tone of her voice remained defiant. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice expressing a general feeling, mood, or attitude

She smiles and says in that same sugary, sympathetic tone, "Now, do you know if Khalil sold narcotics?" (source) Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give, 2017
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling or attitude

The email was long, a thousand words of accusation and bile, but by the end his tone was mournful. (source) Tara Westover, Educated, 2018
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

Then through the hubbub, the sheriff's ear caught the corner of an even voice, a balanced tone, and turned to face Hal Miller, shrimper crew for Tim O'Neal. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

If he'd recognized the offended tone in Liesel's voice, he certainly wasn't showing it. (source) Markus Zusak, The Book Thief, 2005
tone = general feeling or attitude

"Please put it straight," he asked my mother in an unusually sharp tone. (source) Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala, 2013
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

show 189 more with this conextual meaning

"Mama," whispered Esperanza, taking on a tone she had heard Mama use many times. (source) Pam Munoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising, 2000
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

Lina could tell from his tone of voice that Doon didn't really want Clary to be home. (source) Jeanne DuPrau, The City of Ember, 2003
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"I guess I'll wait in the car for you," he said finally, his tone a little apologetic. (source) Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner, 2003
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

His tone is conversational. (source) Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, 2008
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

He hollered out his point in a friendly tone: "Yo, Padre!" he'd say. (source) Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle, 2005
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

It wasn't the story but the tone of his voice that mattered, a gentle baritone rumble as calming as waves breaking on a shore. (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

In the same chipper tone, the native replied that the marines were dead. (source) Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken, 2010

Nearly Headless Nick took several deep breaths and then said, in a far calmer tone, "So — what's bothering you?" (source)
tone = mood (general feeling)

Although the tone of the journal, written in the third person in a stilted, self-consciousness voice, often veers toward melodrama, the available evidence indicates that McCandless did not misrepresent the facts; telling the truth was a credo he took seriously. (source) Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild, 1996
tone = general feeling or mood

But Rosaleen, who had less sense than I'd dreamed, said in this tone like she was explaining something real hard to a kindergarten student, "I'm going to register my name so I can vote, that's what." (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

There was an ironic tone to that final message, as if the Speaker found it amusing; and Jonas had smiled a little, though he knew what a grim statement it had been. (source) Lois Lowry, The Giver, 1993
tone = general feel

"Oh," said Stacey, his tone indicating that he considered the visit of no importance. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

She leaned her forehead against the bars and after a short silence went on in a thoughtful tone. (source) Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting, 1975
tone = quality of voice that expresses a feeling or attitude

"That's the greaser that jockeys for the Slash J sometime," she said, as if we couldn't hear her. I had heard the same tone a million times: "Greaser… greaser… greaser." (source) S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, 1967
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

It was hard to tell from Reenie's tone whether she approved of these differences or not. (source)
tone = quality of voice

His tone was not kindly. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

Her tone was coaxing as a mother's. (source) Madeline Miller, Circe, 2018
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

The tone of his voice only heightened Thomas's concern. (source) James Dashner, The Maze Runner, 2009
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

At the tone of Mrs Whatsit's voice, both warning and frightening, Meg shivered again. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

His tone was kind, but the words still embarrassed me. (source) Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief, 2005
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Momma changed the tone of her voice. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

Mrs. Merriweather was one of those childless adults who find it necessary to assume a different tone of voice when speaking to children. (source) Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960
tone = pitch (sound of voice) that expressed an attitude or feeling

The doctor didn't look at me, and barely changed his tone of voice. "Sports are finished for him, after an accident like that." (source) John Knowles, A Separate Peace, 1959
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

His tone now changed from anger to command. (source) Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart, 1958

So she did, and the more she talked, the more she felt the cold, impersonal tone she'd used to describe her parents' deaths fall away till she was almost overcome with sadness and longing for what, so quickly and suddenly, so unexpectedly, had become part of her past. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

It's the same question he asked Amanda, but this time his tone is sincere. (source)
tone = general attitude

His tone conveyed a warning, given out of the pride of ownership, and the boys ate faster while there was still time. (source)
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

HATHORNE, with a mystical tone: God be praised! (source) Arthur Miller, The Crucible, 1953
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"I suppose you do it to keep your figure," he added in a mocking tone. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

His tone of voice became increasingly brutal. (source) Elie Wiesel, Night, 1960
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

She thought of the elementary school, just a mile away, the order there and the ordinariness, and she thought of Kay Marshall's disapproving tone, and yet she kept going. (source)

I was stunned at this suddenly serious tone she was using with me. (source) John Corey Whaley, Nogin, 2014

Something in the tone of his voice seemed to add, 'that bloody fool'. (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

There was urgency in Rogers' tone. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

His tone was friendly. (source) John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, 1937
tone = attitude

He did indeed always refer to us as swine, but there was, nevertheless, a certain respect in his tone. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

There was a husky tenderness in his tone…. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

His very tone betray him, or my ears deceive. (source) Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897
tone = quality of voice expressing a general feeling or mood

Peter had once asked one of the bargees the time, and had been told to 'get out of that,' in a tone so fierce that he did not stop to say anything about his having just as much right on the towing-path as the man himself. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Yes; it is Hester Prynne!" she replied, in a tone of surprise; and the minister heard her footsteps approaching from the side-walk, along which she had been passing. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

"I won't!" said Henry, in a firm tone, indicating his readiness to meet the consequences of his refusal. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Her tone expressed her entire indifference; (source) Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, 1817
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

Never did tone express indifference plainer. (source) Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"Looking for Madge?" he said in a friendly tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire, 2009
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Katniss--" he begins. Already the admission of guilt is in his tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, 2010

There was something strange in Lupin's tone, it was almost cold. (source)

The words were acceptable enough, it was the indifferent tone that was bewildering. (source)
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"Please leave us alone, Agha," Hassan said in a flat tone. (source) Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner, 2003
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"Father smokes like a furnace," I said, in what I hoped was an insolent tone. (source)

Oh yeah, I had heard that tone before too many times. (source) S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, 1967
tone = attitude expressed in the sound of the voice

Her tone is intentionally indignant, as if the question itself offended her. (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

He replies in French, and I can tell by his stance and tone of voice that he's defending himself. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

However, the change in his tone seemed to have gained her approval: She smiled encouragingly. (source)

Suddenly I grew conscious of a break in that monotonous tone and I looked up. (source)
tone = sound (of voice)

In spite of his airy tone, there was a look of great bitterness on his face. (source)
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Hans couldn't resist an incredulous tone. (source) Markus Zusak, The Book Thief, 2005
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

There would be no mistaking the disgust in my tone or eyes. (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012

The tone of my request is so odd that it's alerted him to some irregularity. (source) Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire, 2009
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

But there's an authoritative tone to her voice that makes you feel her appointment wasn't arbitrary. (source) Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, 2010

"What if you show me what's edible around here and go get us some meat?" he says, mimicking my tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, 2008
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

He thought the tone of shock in my voice was really consternation. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

The tone of that entry seems lofty, high-minded, but in it I detect a whiff of fatalism. (source) Tara Westover, Educated, 2018
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

A cross between pedagogue, soothsayer, and benevolent uncle — that should be his tone. (source) Margaret Atwood, Oryx and Crake, 2003
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Roy could tell by her tone of voice that she was upset. (source) Carl Hiassen, Hoot, 2002
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

Something in her tone made the girl stop what she was doing. (source)
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

My mom looked at me sternly and talked in a tone she'd never used before: "Percy. Tell me now!" (source) Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief, 2005
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Dussel replied in his haughtiest tone, "Ich mach' das schon!" (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

Momma cuts him a side-eye, and he says in a more stern tone, "I mean, what? What you do that for?" (source) Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give, 2017
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"That's not a very good answer, Brink," he said in a tone struggling to remain reasonable. (source) John Knowles, A Separate Peace, 1959

"Be careful," Chuck said, his tone quickly melting into genuine concern. (source) James Dashner, The Maze Runner, 2009
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Claude spoke about his older brother in a clear-eyed, unsentimental tone. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

His tone was sympathetic but disappointed. (source) Tara Westover, Educated, 2018
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

But his tone strikes me as off, and I know the real reason for his departure. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

She handed it to Roy's father, who read it and said, "I think the tone is exactly right." (source) Carl Hiassen, Hoot, 2002
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

His tone was respectful: no doubt he recognized Richard's name. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

His tone was very official, and he didn't seem shaken by the situation at all. (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"I think Id better do the actual stealing," Hermione continued in a matter-of-fact tone. (source)
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Something in his tone of voice made me look at him. (source) S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, 1967
tone = general attitude

She ordered, in the same tone she was using on the dog. (source) Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief, 2005
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Safe to do what?" he says in a gentler tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire, 2009

It could be a joke, if the tone wasn't so cold. (source) Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, 2010

You keep talking to her in that tone of voice, maybe she'll find herself a new boyfriend. (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"No one's accusing you of anything," Brinker responded in an odd tone. (source) John Knowles, A Separate Peace, 1959
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

The tone vanished, however, when he saw the sleep deprivation whittled under his father's eyes. (source) Markus Zusak, The Book Thief, 2005

Hatter considered the sadness, the mournful reminiscence, in the reverend's tone. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

Then something in his tone made her look at him more sharply. (source)
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"Several times over," I say in a superior tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, 2008
tone = pitch (sound of voice) that expressed an attitude

Newt's tone warned that the conversation about the Changing was over. (source) James Dashner, The Maze Runner, 2009
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

I'd never have talked to a girl about this in such a normal tone of voice. (source)
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

Edgar could hear the irritation in his tone from across the yard. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

Her fingers sketched quotation marks around the name, and her tone dripped sarcasm. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"It's a killing all right," said Jimmy's father in a disgusted tone. (source) Margaret Atwood, Oryx and Crake, 2003

One couldn't have guessed, by his tone, that he had ever addressed her before. (source)
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling or attitude

"Nonsense, O'Flaherty," said Professor Binns in an aggravated tone. (source)
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Stop, stop!" cried Finny in a referee's tone. (source) John Knowles, A Separate Peace, 1959
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

"President Snow used to…sell me…my body, that is," Finnick begins in a flat, removed tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, 2010
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

He tries to take on a more serious tone, unsuccessfully. (source) Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire, 2009

I say, trying for the special tone that my mother used only with my father. (source) Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, 2008
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

In a confidential tone, he added, "We need some discreet assistance here." (source) Carl Hiassen, Hoot, 2002
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

These two talk in an easy tone of voice, like they're all friends. (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"Did you wash your hands?" she asked, her tone sweet and buttery. (source) Tara Westover, Educated, 2018
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

She didn't even notice my odd tone of voice. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

I could tell from her tone that the last time hadn't gone well. (source) Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief, 2005

"It's Saturday," I said in a matched tone. (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"And what exactly did I say?" asked Hermione, her tone some-where between skepticism and curiosity. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

I felt I should either write it again with a more civil tone or simply not post it. (source)
tone = general feel

"You look great!"
"Always the tone of surprise," said Hermione, though she smiled. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Judith's tone had more than a touch of smugness. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"Come along, Percy," Chiron said, his lighthearted tone now a little forced. (source) Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief, 2005
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Not for long," said Hermione in a satisfied tone. (source)
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

If anything her tone was incurious and weary, though benign. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude

Mr. Eberhardt spoke in a hushed and confidential tone. (source) Carl Hiassen, Hoot, 2002
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"I see," I said in a tone which made Brinker raise his eyes and lock them with mine. (source) John Knowles, A Separate Peace, 1959

Her words or maybe just her intentionally condescending tone makes Connor storm off. (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

Peeta begins to speak in a frustrated tone about the need for the cease-fire. (source) Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, 2010
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

My joking tone made it clear I wasn't too upset about losing. (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

She is not weepy or evasive, instead there's an urgency about her tone that surprises me. (source) Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, 2008
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude

"Gale," I say, taking his arm and trying to speak in a reasonable tone. (source) Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, 2010
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

In spite of the Admiral's tone of voice, he feels less and less intimidated by him. (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"And he forgave you?" Gavril asked in a slightly more sober tone. (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012

But as Nat followed her into the road, his mocking tone changed. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

Mr. Eberhardt's tone of voice remained level, but the volume had gotten much louder. (source) Carl Hiassen, Hoot, 2002
tone = pitch (sound of voice)

The questions of the driver had the tone of a subtle examination. (source)
tone = general feel

George's voice was taking on the tone of confession. (source) John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, 1937
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

The tune that they were playing changed, and the tone of the music changed too. (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = general feel

"Now, who wants a chocolate éclair?" she asked in a loud, cheerful tone. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

Preachin's a kinda tone a voice, an' preachin's a way a lookin' at things. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

There was an unpleasant tone in his voice. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

'All this is a digression,' he added in a different tone. (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

"You'll give me at least a week's warning, won't you," she went on in another tone. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

The words were not clear, only the tone. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Just imperceptibly his manner changed. It was slightly more assured-easier in tone. (source)
tone = general feel or attitude

He paused, and went on in a gentler tone: 'You are improving.' (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

But Henry's tone was almost, for a moment, melancholy. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

"Gonna pick peaches?" Pa's tone was dignified. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

He had said in the same casual tone: "And you can't give me any further information?" (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing an attitude

His tone was so significant that the doctor looked at him sharply. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"His eyes was still open," said Ruthie in a hushed tone. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

He sighed, fell silent again, then continued in a brisker tone, "Well, duty's duty." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

When he spoke it was in an easy, conversational tone. (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

His bored tone implied that he was in the habit of talking to his fordship every day of the week. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

Vera said: "Quite." Her tone warned him. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

Ruthie heard the threat in Ma's tone, and changed her tactics. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

He said in an over-casual tone: "Always carry that about with you, sir?" (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

The screaming of the babies suddenly changed its tone. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

"It's sleep--" Ma said in a shamed tone. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"It's all right, Director," he said in a tone of faint derision, "I won't corrupt them." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice that expresses a feeling or attitude

He finished in the tone of a benediction, and Al reddened a little with pleasure. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Do you know Bernard Marx?" she asked in a tone whose excessive casualness was evidently forced. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

Ma said, in a sharp matter-of-fact tone, "I don' see why him savin' Tom got to get you drunk." (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

"Lenina, my dear," he called in another tone. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"Take me to her," said the Savage, making an effort to speak in an ordinary tone. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

"I'm taking Lenina Crowne to New Mexico with me," he said in a tone as casual as he could make it. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

Then, in another tone, suddenly, startlingly. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

"And then," he added, in a lower tone, "I ate my own wickedness." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = pitch (sound of voice) that expressed an attitude

After a silence, "We've come to say good-bye," he went on in another tone. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"What are you giving them?" asked Mr. Foster, making his tone very professional. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

Then, in another tone: "But, I say," he went on, "you do look glum!" (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"Oh, Ford!" he said in another tone, "I've gone and woken the children." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

His tone was a little more friendly. (source) John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, 1937
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

His tone grew decisive. (source) John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, 1937

The tone of his voice implied at once a complete admission of his guilt and a sort of incredulous horror that such a word could be applied to himself. (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = quality of voice that expresses a feeling or attitude

The voice from the telescreen paused and added in a different and much graver tone: 'You are warned to stand by for an important announcement at fifteen-thirty.' (source) George Orwell, 1984, 1949
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or mood

He cleared his throat and said in a would-be conversational tone: "Nice peaceful spot you've found for yourself, sir." (source)

He stopped and added in a cold biting tone: "Or do you suggest that I gave her an overdose on purpose?" (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

And on the preacher's face there was a look not of prayer, but of thought; and in his tone not supplication, but conjecture. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

He said in the famous "acid" tone that Counsel knew so well: "Do I understand you to assert that women are not subject to homicidal mania?" (source)

Armstrong's tone sounded relieved. (source)
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling

"You git quick." There was no argument against such a tone. Ruthie and Winfield went reluctantly down the car. (source)
tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

And we all got on the same tone, an' I tell ya, it jus' seemed like that tank bulged an' give and swelled up. (source)

The camp was quiet in the blinding heat, but the noises of hot grass--of crickets, the hum of flies--were a tone that was close to silence. (source)

Now a response filled in the pause, and the exhortation went up with a tone of triumph, and a growl of power came into the voice. (source)

Her tone had made him ashamed. (source)

She put an interest in her tone. (source)

Her tone was cold and final. (source)

Pa's voice took on her tone. (source)

Mae's tone was faltering. (source)

"Yes, and civilization is sterilization," Bernard went on, concluding on a tone of irony the second hypnopaedic lesson in elementary hygiene. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"For the New Mexican Reservation?" he said, and his tone, the face he lifted to Bernard, expressed a kind of agitated astonishment. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"And after all," Fanny's tone was coaxing, "it's not as though there were anything painful or disagreeable about having one or two men besides Henry." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

"Least of all," she continued in another tone "why you don't take soma when you have these dreadful ideas of yours." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

"I always think," the Director was continuing in the same rather maudlin tone, when he was interrupted by a loud boo-hooing. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

Then, with a sudden change of tone, "But seriously," she said, "I really do think you ought to be careful." (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

"My young friend," said the Arch-Community-Songster in a tone of loud and solemn severity; there was a general silence. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932

Bernard gave his orders in the sharp, rather arrogant and even offensive tone of one who does not feel himself too secure in his superiority. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

The tone was menacingly derisive. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

Then, turning to his secretary, "I'll leave you to put my things away," he went on in the same official and impersonal tone; and, ignoring her lustrous smile, got up and walked briskly to the door. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of voice expressing a feeling or attitude

"O brave new world, O brave new world …" In his mind the singing words seemed to change their tone. They had mocked him through his misery and remorse, mocked him with how hideous a note of cynical derision! (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = general feeling, mood, or attitude of something

Her tone was loud, exultant. (source) Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932
tone = quality of the voice that expresses a general feeling, mood, or attitude

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His tone dips when he mentions them. (source) Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give, 2017
tone = pitch (sound of voice)

A pair of navy blue lace-up Keds and some Buster Brown two-tone saddle shoes, polished brown and white so many times they glowed. (source)
tone = color

This part here is called the tone hook, okay? (source) R.J. Palacio, Wonder, 2012
tone = relating to the pitch (sound quality)

So when I pointed out a pair of sandals that would suit her skin tone, she was like, "Yeah, but …." (source)
tone = quality of color or lighting

Beneath the dial tone, a faint conversation, two strange voices, a man and a woman. (source)
tone = a sound a landline telephone makes to indicate that a caller may start to dial

Then: the dull drone of a dial tone.† (source) Tara Westover, Educated, 2018

Afterward we went into the small museum at the back, which had displays of the special white bow ties Jinnah used to order from Paris, his three-piece suits tailored in London, his golf clubs and a special traveling box with drawers for twelve pairs of shoes including his favorite two-tone brogues.† (source) Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala, 2013

The trucker's other hand has thicker fingers, and the skin is a bit more olive in tone.† (source) Neal Shusterman, Unwind, 2007

His tone was apologetic.† (source)

I picked up the phone and heard a dial tone.† (source) Dumas Firoozeh, Funny in Farsi, 2003

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The pope's tone was mocking.† (source) Cixin Liu, The Three-Body Problem, 2008

His tone grew softer.† (source)

Whether she is relaying stories of happy times with her family or talking about the tragedy of being here, there is no change in her tone.† (source)

"No, Uncle Max, of course not," Paul said in a placatory tone.† (source) Mina Baites, The Silver Music Box, 2017

He kept his tone level, non-confrontational, but not scared.† (source) Wes Moore, The Other Wes Moore, 2010

His pleasant, condescending tone had returned.† (source) Ernest Cline, Ready Player One, 2011

His tone of voice set off a small alarm bell in my head.† (source) Yann Martel, Life of Pi, 2001

Mrs. Billups replied, in that superior tone that teachers dressed in nice red business suits use when they're talking to mothers with dirty shirts on, "We were reviewing the alphabet, of course.† (source) Sharon M. Draper, Out of My Mind, 2010

No need for a mocking tone, Lucille.† (source)

His tone turned haughty.† (source) Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code, 2003

The mocking tone reminded her of Dr. Cable.† (source) Scott Westerfeld, Uglies, 2005

They said it would look better with my skin tone.† (source) Kiera Cass, The Selection, 2012

Then her tone turned bitter.† (source) Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy, 2014

Hermione noticed his tone of voice and frowned.† (source)

Owens knew what his wife was thinking when she used that tone of voice.† (source) Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book, 2008

His sympathetic tone sounds manufactured to me.† (source) Veronica Roth, Divergent, 2011

"Why, hello," said Mr. Poe, in a puzzled tone of voice.† (source) Lemony Snicket, The Bad Beginning, 1999

She dismissed Mrs. Moore with her tone of voice.† (source) Walter Dean Myers, Monster, 1999

And another thing, I don't care for that tone.† (source)

She had a suspicious tone.† (source) James Dashner, The Scorch Trials, 2010

His tone was dismissive.† (source) Jojo Moyes, Me Before You, 2012

Aunt Daisy shouted in a tone George had never heard her use before.† (source)

" Self-conscious but also aware of the warning in Edwin's tone, Cole stood and began circling the fire.† (source)

Mr. Curtain's tone softened.† (source)

Her tone was casual, as if she held conversations every night with people crouching behind the car in the driveway.† (source) Jerry Spinelli, Stargirl, 2000

His tone was confident, even a little defiant.† (source)

I see you've chosen the top of the line, the cream of the crop, the True-Tone AB-700 model, the Ultra-Glide!† (source)

Mother raises her eyebrows at my tone, takes her glasses off.† (source) Kathryn Stockett, The Help, 2009

He sighed, and changed tone again.† (source) Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park, 1993

His tone was accusing.† (source) Jane Smiley, A Thousand Acres, 1991

Chaol hid his glower at Dorian's tone.† (source) Sarah J. Maas, Throne of Glass, 2012

It was clear from the tone of his voice that he didn't want me around and didn't trust me.† (source) Ishmael Beah, A Long Way Gone, 2007

Her tone doesn't change.† (source) Marie Lu, Legend, 2011

But, no matter, the Meanys were invulnerable to such subtleties as tone of voice.† (source)

Tone it down, girl!† (source) Bharati Mukherjee, Jasmine, 1989

He changed his tone.† (source) Edward Bloor, Tangerine, 1997

Ten-tube, all-wave, superheterodyne, with fancy gadrooned moldings and a two-tone walnut cabinet.† (source)

One of them answered "Nein," in an bored tone.† (source) Lois Lowry, Number the Stars, 1989

With his back to the fire, his face is in shadow; I can't read his expression, but his tone is casual.† (source) Rick Yancey, The 5th Wave, 2013

Everything changed color and tone and intensity "The search ….† (source)

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