1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To make language, a speech, or written content less aggressive, controversial, or extreme.
"Her editor asked her to tone down the opening paragraph, which was too confrontational."
separable
tone down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To make something less extreme, forceful, loud, or intense in colour, language, or behaviour.
In plain English
To make something less strong, loud, or extreme.
What does "tone down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To make colours or visual elements less bright, vivid, or stark.
"The designer toned down the background colour so the text would be easier to read."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To make behaviour or a reaction less intense or exaggerated.
"Could you tone down the celebrations a bit? Some of us are trying to work."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To lower the tone of something.
Actually means
To make something less strong, loud, or extreme.
Usage tip
Very common in contexts of editing (toning down language), visual design (toning down colours), and behaviour (toning down excitement). The opposite is 'ramp up' or 'heighten'. Used both in creative and professional contexts.
Words that pair with "tone down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rhetoric language colours criticism speech behaviour
How to conjugate "tone down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tone down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tones down
he/she/it
Past simple
toned down
yesterday
Past participle
toned down
have + pp
-ing form
toning down
continuous
Hear "tone down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tone down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.