tono

tone

noun TOH-noh Less Common

Origin: Greek tonos (stretching, tone)

Also means

shade

Usage Note

Tono covers musical tone, the tone of voice, and color shades (toni caldi, warm tones). In informal usage, tono also conveys social register or dignity — 'mantenere un certo tono' (to maintain a certain level of quality or propriety). The phrase 'in tono minore' (in a minor key, or in a subdued manner) is used both musically and figuratively. The plural is regular: i toni.

Examples

"Ha risposto con un tono deciso."

Natural Translation

He replied with a firm tone.

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