defeated tone

USAGE SUMMARY

"defeated tone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a conversational tone that conveys a feeling of defeat, resignation, or discouragement. For example, "Janice responded to her friend's suggestion with a defeated tone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sam Beam, alias Iron & Wine, adopts a defeated tone in his description of animal behaviour and betrayal in Wolves (Son of the Shepherd's Dog), the nearest thing to a title track from his 2007 masterpiece.

The Guardian - Music

Suzy looked me in the eyes and complied in a defeated tone, "I have so much going on between caring for my kids, being present at work, running errands for my house, getting back in the dating game, and trying to take of myself all at the same time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

All the same, he admits in defeated tones, fashions change, even in business.In this section Death, where is thy sting?

The Economist

The first of the heavyweights to be defeated, Alexander set the tone.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was sadness in Luz's tone, a defeated breathiness, as if the words themselves were part of a whispered prayer or lament she would've preferred not to share with us.

The New Yorker

According to The Independent, "listeners across the Union thrilled to Bob's cultured tones as he defeated evil master criminals in search of world domination".

Wikipedia

And when the president-elect's turn to speak came, he saluted his defeated rival, promising to change the tone of Washington by emphasizing consensus, not confrontation.

The New York Times

You could say that once the 12-tone commando squad was defeated, the victors picked through the spoils, taking what they liked and ignoring the rest.

The New York Times - Arts

And the man who defeated Senator Gore eventually apologized for the divisive tone of the campaign.

The New York Times

Yes, Villaraigosa won the office four years later, but he defeated a weakened Hahn and succeeded in part by toning down the ideology of his losing first campaign.

Los Angeles Times

While Islam El Shehaby's unvarnished hostility elicited eye-rolls and mocking from Israelis on social media -- he was, after all, defeated -- the video of Peyman Yarahmadi struck a different, unfamiliar tone from Israelis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defeated tone" to subtly convey a character's emotional state without explicitly stating they are sad or discouraged. This adds depth and realism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defeated tone" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or focus on other non-verbal cues to prevent the writing from becoming monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeated tone" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a verb that indicates speech or expression. It adds detail about the manner in which something is said, conveying a specific emotional state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defeated tone" is a grammatically sound and subtly powerful descriptor, used to convey feelings of resignation or discouragement through the manner of speaking. While not exceptionally common, as Ludwig AI confirms, it finds its place primarily in news and media, offering a nuanced way to depict a character's emotional state. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition and employ this phrase to add depth to your character portrayals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resigned voice

Replaces "tone" with "voice", focusing on the audible aspect of the expression.

dejected tone

Emphasizes the sadness associated with the tone.

subdued tone

Replaces "defeated" with "subdued", indicating a quieter, less energetic expression.

dispirited tone

Highlights the loss of spirit or enthusiasm in the tone.

pessimistic inflection

Substitutes "defeated" with "pessimistic" and "tone" with "inflection", highlighting the negative outlook conveyed.

crestfallen tone

Emphasizes the disappointment aspect of the tone.

lackluster tone

Focuses on the absence of energy or vibrancy in the tone.

disheartened manner

Replaces both words to focus on the overall behavior expressing a lack of enthusiasm

despondent delivery

Changes "defeated" to "despondent" and "tone" to "delivery", emphasizing the emotional state behind the expression.

resigned expression

Shifts from auditory (tone) to visual expression of defeat.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "defeated tone" in a sentence?

Employ "defeated tone" to subtly reveal a character's underlying feelings of disappointment or resignation. For example, "He answered with a "defeated tone", "I don't think I can do it."

What are some alternatives to describing someone speaking in a "defeated tone"?

Consider using phrases such as "resigned voice", "subdued tone", or "dispirited tone" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "defeated tone" in formal writing?

Yes, "defeated tone" can be used in formal writing, but it should be employed judiciously. Its effectiveness depends on the context and the specific message you're trying to convey. Ensure that it aligns with the overall "tone" and purpose of your piece.

What's the difference between "defeated tone" and "sad tone"?

"Defeated tone" implies a sense of having lost or given up, while "sad tone" simply indicates sorrow or unhappiness. A "defeated tone" suggests resignation, whereas a "sad tone" might express grief or longing without necessarily implying a loss of hope.