Question of the Day #137

"Trump not heeding calls to tone down tweets"
From the headline of this article at PBS.com.

上記の文で、tone downの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "tone down" mean?

答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

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解答

意味： 英辞郎によると、


〔音・色・語気などを〕和らげる、抑える

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

 to make (something) less forceful, offensive, or harsh

Etymology/語源

Online Etymology Dictionaryによると、

何かを「和らげる、抑える」の意味は、1847年から。

According to Online Etymology Dictionary:

general sense of "reduce, moderate" is by 1847.

Examples

• People will be more likely to listen to you if you tone down your language a little.
• The foul language in the original play has been toned down for television.
• Both sides agreed to tone down their speeches in order to avoid an argument.
• The fiery right-wing leader toned down his militant statements after the meeting.
• We have had to ask the agency and their client to tone their ads down.