tone of defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tone of defiance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking or attitude that expresses resistance or opposition. Example: "Her tone of defiance was evident as she stood up to the authority figures in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Speaking on April 20th, a Saturday, before the Sox' first home game following the bombings, David Ortiz, in his perfectly profane way, set a tone of defiance and optimism.

The New Yorker

In addition, the analysts said the upbeat tone of defiance and predictions of victory in many intercepted conversations seemed detached from reality in light of the rapidly deteriorating Iraqi military situation.

The New York Times

I recall being at dinner parties – some of you were probably there – or out to meals with friends, where someone would talk about 'living with Aids' and Spencer would immediately reply, 'I'm not living with Aids, I'm dying of Aids!' He'd say this in a tone of defiance, but I knew he was scared to death".

The Guardian

The remarks capped an incredibly dramatic press conference in which Burris and Blagojevich struck a tone of defiance, insisting that the Senate seat should be awarded to the former Illinois Attorney General despite charges that Blagojevich was trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In it, a rattled Mr. Blagojevich alternated between tones of defiance and despair as he implored his kitchen cabinet to help find him a way out of a job he loathed and, according to testimony, often avoided.

The New York Times

"My fiancé left me two months ago because I don't want sex," she'd told me when she first arrived at the clinic, her sad and bewildered tone mixed with a note of defiance.

The Guardian

The document might be even more remarkable, however, for its tone of utter defiance.

The New York Times

Since then, they have efficiently coordinated protests around the country with a tone of increasing defiance.

The New York Times

"I Got Lost in His Arms" revolved around the phrase, "Look what I found," delivered in a tone of emphatic defiance.

The New York Times - Arts

Ben Arnold Richard Wilson narrates the story of Scottish homosexuality, in a documentary that manages to lend a tone of happy defiance to a catalogue of injustice and pain.

The Guardian

The note of defiance was unmistakeable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tone of defiance" when you want to describe someone's attitude or expression that clearly shows resistance or opposition to something. It's appropriate when the defiance is evident in their manner.

Common error

Avoid using "tone of defiance" when the resistance is only implied or very subtle. Ensure the context clearly demonstrates a challenging or opposing stance; otherwise, a milder term like "firmness" or "resolve" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tone of defiance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes the manner in which someone expresses opposition or resistance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English. Examples show it modifying actions and statements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tone of defiance" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase used to describe a manner expressing resistance or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms this, and examples show its common use in describing reactions to challenging situations. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, predominantly within news and media. Related phrases, such as "air of defiance" or "note of defiance", offer nuanced alternatives for writers seeking precision. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly supports the presence of resistance to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

air of defiance

Replaces "tone" with "air", suggesting a more pervasive feeling of defiance.

spirit of defiance

Substitutes "tone" with "spirit", implying a deeper, more inherent sense of resistance.

attitude of defiance

Replaces "tone" with "attitude", focusing on a deliberate stance of resistance.

note of defiance

Replaces "tone" with "note", suggesting a subtle or understated expression of defiance.

sense of defiance

Replaces "tone" with "sense", highlighting an intuitive or perceived feeling of resistance.

mood of defiance

Substitutes "tone" with "mood", which suggests a more emotional and temporary state of resistance.

vein of defiance

Replaces "tone" with "vein", suggesting a subtle trace or element of defiance present.

undercurrent of defiance

Emphasizes a hidden or less obvious aspect of resistance.

hint of defiance

Indicates a very slight or subtle expression of resistance.

show of resistance

Shifts the focus to the outward act of resisting, rather than the internal feeling.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "tone of defiance" in a sentence?

Use "tone of defiance" to describe a specific way someone speaks or acts that shows they are resisting or challenging something. For example, "Her "tone of defiance" was clear as she argued against the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "tone of defiance"?

You can use alternatives such as "air of defiance", "spirit of defiance", or "attitude of defiance" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is "tone of defiance" formal or informal?

"Tone of defiance" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It's generally suitable for describing situations where resistance or opposition is evident.

How does "note of defiance" differ from "tone of defiance"?

"Note of defiance" implies a more subtle or understated expression of resistance compared to ""tone of defiance"", which suggests a more prominent or obvious display of opposition.