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Glite Dictionary
level tone

level tone

5.1
A calm even way of speaking that does not show strong feeling
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛvəl toʊn/
translation icon : tono monótono
  • Edward tried to keep a level tone as he prevailed upon the man.
  • keep a level tone

So use that, but specifically, you know, keep a calm level tone to your voice, your body language is important.

Examples

  • "I'm sorry for what I said," he replied in a calm level tone.

  • So use that, but specifically, you know, keep a calm level tone to your voice, your body language is important.

    Chris Williamson

  • Thanks," I say, all in the same level tone.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Sarah always admired how Paul talked to students in the same level tone he used with staff.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • "Please stop yelling and speak to me in a level tone, so I can understand you better," she requested.

  • Despite the tense situation, he maintained a level tone throughout the discussion.

Synonyms

monotone
vslevel tone
8 5.3

A way of speaking with the same tone that sounds boring

is calm and even in speech without showing emotion or pitch change

How Expressive

level tone
5.1
monotone
8 5.3

Surface Forms

level tone singular
level tones plural

Morphology

level + tone

The meaning is directly compositional: 'level' (even/steady) modifies 'tone' (pitch or character of voice), so the phrase naturally conveys an even, calm manner of speaking. This adjective+noun combination follows a common, cross-linguistic pattern, making it immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Level tone comes from the picture of a level, something flat and even, and a tone, the sound of the voice, so the voice stays flat and does not go up or down. That's why level tone means 'a calm and even way of speaking'.