tone down

Phrasal Verb BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Neutral

Meaning: To reduce intensity

降低调子,缓和
Moderar, suavizar
トーンを落とす、抑える
톤을 낮추다, 강도를 줄이다

To make less extreme or intense.

使某事变得不那么极端或激烈。克制批评、反应或表达。
Hacer algo menos extremo o intenso. Contener las críticas, reacciones o expresiones.
極端さや激しさを和らげること。批判や反応、表現などを控えめにすること。
덜 극단적이거나 강렬하게 만들다.
Base verb: tone
Particle: down
Separable: Yes — the object can go between the verb and particle

Examples

  1. Tone down the criticism.
    把批评的语气缓和一下
    Modera las críticas
    批判を控えめにして
    비판을 좀 누그러뜨려.
  2. She toned down her reaction.
    她压住了自己的反应
    Suavizó su reacción
    彼女は反応を抑えた
    그녀는 반응을 자제했다.
  3. Can you tone it down a bit?
    你能稍微收敛一点吗?
    ¿Puedes bajar un poco el tono?
    少しトーンを落としてもらえる?
    좀 톤을 낮춰줄 수 있어?

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: moderation, intensity, expression

Tone: diplomatic

✓ Do Say

  • Tone it down
    缓和一下、收敛点
    Modera el tono, Suaviza un poco
    控えめにして、抑えて
    좀 줄이다, 자제하다

Origin & History

From reducing tone or volume.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

More From This Topic

break down ★★★★★ To lose emotional control and start crying cheer up ★★★★★ To become happier or make someone happier calm down ★★★★★ To become less agitated or to make someone less upset open up ★★★★★ To share feelings or personal information freak out ★★★★★ To panic or become extremely upset or excited build up ★★★★★ To gradually increase in intensity (of emotions)
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