Akademik

tone down
verb
1. deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
• Syn: ↑muffle, ↑mute, ↑dull, ↑damp, ↑dampen
• Derivationally related forms: ↑damper (for: ↑damp), ↑mute (for: ↑mute), ↑muffler (for: ↑muffle)
• Hypernyms: ↑soften
• Verb Frames:
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Somebody ——s something

-

Something ——s something

2. make less strong or intense; soften
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Tone down that aggressive letter

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The author finally tamed some of his potentially offensive statements

• Syn: ↑moderate, ↑tame
• Derivationally related forms: ↑moderation (for: ↑moderate)
• Hypernyms: ↑change, ↑alter, ↑modify
• Verb Frames:
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Somebody ——s something

-

Something ——s something

* * *

tone down [phrasal verb]
tone (something) down or tone down (something)
1 : to make (something) less forceful, offensive, or harsh

People will be more likely to listen to you if you tone down your language a little.

2 : to make (something) less bright or colorful

She toned down her wardrobe.

• • •
Main Entry: ↑tone

Useful english dictionary. 2012.