How Do You Spell TONING DOWN?

Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊnɪŋ dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

"Toning down" is a phrasal verb that refers to the process of making something less intense or harsh. The pronunciation of this word is [toʊnɪŋ daʊn]. "Toning" is spelled with a "o" and "i" because it comes from the word "tone" which is pronounced with a long "o" sound. Similarly, "down" is spelled with a "d" and "o" because it comes from the word "downward." The IPA phonetic transcription helps to show the specific sounds in the word and how they should be pronounced.

TONING DOWN Meaning and Definition

  1. Toning down refers to the act of moderating, reducing, or lessening the intensity, force, or impact of something. It is a phrase commonly used to describe the process of making a particular element or aspect of a situation, statement, behavior, or appearance less extreme, intense, provocative, controversial, or offensive.

    In communication, toning down implies the modification of language, tone, or content to make it more inoffensive, diplomatic, or suitable for a particular audience or context. It involves softening or tempering one's words, expressions, or attitudes to maintain harmony, avoid conflict, or avoid causing discomfort or offense.

    Toning down can also be observed in various areas such as fashion, design, or art. It refers to the reduction or adjustment of certain characteristics, colors, patterns, or elements to create a more balanced, subtle, or harmonious composition. In this context, toning down implies the removal of excessive or intense features in order to achieve a more understated or restrained aesthetic.

    Furthermore, toning down can also be applied to actions or behaviors. It involves modifying one's actions, reactions, or conduct to become less aggressive, confrontational, assertive, or extreme. This process aims to promote a more harmonious, peaceful, or agreeable atmosphere or to adapt oneself to a particular social or professional environment.

    Overall, toning down involves the deliberate act of reducing, moderating, or adjusting the intensity, impact, or characteristics of something in order to make it more suitable, acceptable, or balanced.

  2. Subduing in colour or shade; softening so as to remove all harshness.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TONING DOWN

  • toning dowf
  • toning dowl
  • toning dowo
  • toninngdown
  • twoningdown
  • tooningdown
  • t oning down
  • to ning down
  • ton ing down
  • toni ng down
  • tonin g down
  • toning d own
  • toning do wn
  • toning dow n

Etymology of TONING DOWN

The phrase "toning down" is derived from the verb "tone", which has its roots in the Old French word "tonus" and the Latin word "tonus". Originally, the word "tone" referred to a musical term relating to the quality or character of a sound. Over time, it came to be used metaphorically to describe adjusting or modifying the strength or intensity of something. As a result, "toning down" means to reduce or moderate the level, force, or intensity of something, similar to how one would adjust the volume or intensity of a musical tone.

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