Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

Tone is used to discern meaning when words weren't expressed.
=clarify, in this case?

Thanks

[bud]

Well, "clarify" would imply that there was some confusion to clear up, I think. So maybe it is more like "extract" or "derive."

[missdaredevil]

Tone is used to *extract* meaning when words weren't expressed.
What's the meaning of that, by not using big words when trying to tone down your statements?


Thanks

[bud]

Tone is used to decribe writing, a movie, a song, or even what someone says. It's the overall feeling or ambience. To tone down is a related concept, but not exactly the same. But, yes, tone imparts meaning without using words, or even in spite of the words. It is part of what allows us to read between the lines (to discern a meaning that is not implied by the words used).

Suppose you were with a good friend. He was being very polite and terse, not the way good friends act with each other. His words gave no hint (perhaps) of any reason for this unusal behavior. Later, when alone, you might think: "Well, he gave no reason for being upset with me, but his tone certainly was icy. Something must be bugging him."