1 C1 neutral
For a colour, fabric, or style to harmonise pleasingly with another colour or design element.
"Those curtains tone beautifully with the sofa — they're both in warm, earthy shades."
inseparable
tone with
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To coordinate or harmonise in colour, shade, or style with something else.
In plain English
To match in colour or style with something near it.
What does "tone with" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To share a tone with something else.
Actually means
To match in colour or style with something near it.
Usage tip
Used mainly in British English interior design and fashion contexts. 'Tone with' implies a harmonious but not necessarily identical match. Very close in meaning to 'tone in'. More common in written design guides than in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "tone with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
walls furnishings outfit accessories decor colour scheme
How to conjugate "tone with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tone with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tones with
he/she/it
Past simple
toned with
yesterday
Past participle
toned with
have + pp
-ing form
toning with
continuous
Hear "tone with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tone with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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