Defining the word "tone" in interpersonal communication or "How to use a dictionary"

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New - 28 Jan 2004 03:11 GMT

Hello.
My husband and I grew up in the United States. Our only language is
English
I grew up in New York, he in Maryland.
We live in Maryland.

Does/can the english definition of the word "tone" include "facial
expression?

According to Mirriam Webster's collegiate dictionary, 10th edition:
The 6th definition of the word "tone" is:
style or manner of expression in speaking or writing.

Then I looked up the word "speaking"
All were vocally related, so I looked up the word "speak"
The 4th definition is:
to indicate by other than verbal means

So, fiven these two definitions, could the word "tone" include facial
expression?
In otherwords, if I started screaming, and my husband said, Please
change your tone, is it supposed to be understood that he wants me to
change the expression on my face too?

If not, how am I misusing the dictionary?

Thanks, New

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A. Kong - 28 Jan 2004 04:50 GMT

I guess it is a case of misusing the dictionary.

The dictionary is not a mathematic literature, and there is no such
implication that: since the 6th defition of speak implies facial
expression, then it follows that the 4the defintion of tone shall
include facial expression. See?

We shall consider the context of where the word 'tone' is used. In your
example, I guess, 'tone' is referred to 'the pitch of a word often used
to express differences of meaning' (According to Webster)

Anthony

> Hello.
> My husband and I grew up in the United States. Our only language is
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>
> Thanks, New

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Django Cat - 28 Jan 2004 11:35 GMT

As in "don't look at me in that tone of face" you mean?

Not a way I'd use the word, but you'll get plenty of response by posting to
alt.english.usage or alt.usage.english.

DC Snowcat

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Adrian Bailey - 28 Jan 2004 21:47 GMT

> Hello.
> My husband and I grew up in the United States. Our only language is
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> If not, how am I misusing the dictionary?

Meaning depends on context. In some contexts, "tone" refers to the voice or
sounds, in others to colours and surfaces (etc.). The dictionary doesn't
tell you which meaning applies in your context, you use common sense to work
it out.

Adrian

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Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / January 2004

Defining the word "tone" in interpersonal communication or "How to use a dictionary"