Tone down
verb
To make something less intense, severe, or prevalent.
The restaurant had to tone down its spicy salsa after several customers complained it was too hot.
Often appears as...
- tone down criticism
- tone down language
verb
To make something less colorful, loud, or detailed.
I had to tone down my presentation because it was too flashy and not professional enough.
Often appears as...
- tone down colors
- tone down décor
verb
To make something less intense, severe, or prevalent.
The restaurant had to tone down its spicy salsa after several customers complained it was too hot.
Often appears as...
- tone down criticism
- tone down language
verb
To make something less colorful, loud, or detailed.
I had to tone down my presentation because it was too flashy and not professional enough.
Often appears as...
- tone down colors
- tone down décor
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Conflict Avoidance
Use 'tone down' to show reducing intensity for the sake of avoiding conflict or maintaining peace.
Let's tone down the argument so we can discuss this calmly.
Pro Tip 2/3Feedback Softening
It softens criticism to make it more acceptable and less confrontational.
Could you tone down your feedback to be more constructive?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Used to make content appropriate for different cultures or social settings.
He had to tone down his jokes in the international meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Conflict Avoidance
Use 'tone down' to show reducing intensity for the sake of avoiding conflict or maintaining peace.
Let's tone down the argument so we can discuss this calmly.
Pro Tip 2/3Feedback Softening
It softens criticism to make it more acceptable and less confrontational.
Could you tone down your feedback to be more constructive?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Used to make content appropriate for different cultures or social settings.
He had to tone down his jokes in the international meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Conflict Avoidance
Use 'tone down' to show reducing intensity for the sake of avoiding conflict or maintaining peace.
Let's tone down the argument so we can discuss this calmly.
Pro Tip 2/3Feedback Softening
It softens criticism to make it more acceptable and less confrontational.
Could you tone down your feedback to be more constructive?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Used to make content appropriate for different cultures or social settings.
He had to tone down his jokes in the international meeting.
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