high-toned

  • 1High-toned — a. 1. High in tone or sound. [1913 Webster] 2. Elevated; high principled; honorable. [1913 Webster] In whose high toned impartial mind Degrees of mortal rank and state Seem objects of indifferent weight. Sir W. Scott. 3. pretentious, pompous. [P …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 2high-toned — high′ toned′ or high′ tone′ adj. 1) having high principles; dignified 2) having or aspiring to good taste, high standards, or refinement: a high toned literary review[/ex] 3) affectedly stylish or genteel • Etymology: 1770–80 …

    From formal English to slang

  • 3high-toned — [hī′tōnd′] adj. 1. Now Rare high in tone; high pitched 2. characterized by dignity, lofty moral or intellectual quality, high principles, etc.: often used ironically or humorously ☆ 3. Informal of or imitating the manners, attitudes, etc. of the… …

    English World dictionary

  • 4high-toned — 1779 of musical pitch, 1807 of morality, from HIGH (Cf. high) (adj.) + TONE (Cf. tone) …

    Etymology dictionary

  • 5high-toned — /huy tohnd /, adj. 1. having high principles; dignified. 2. having or aspiring to good taste, high standards, or refinement: He writes for a high toned literary review. 3. affectedly stylish or genteel. Also, high tone. [1770 80] * * * …

    Universalium

  • 6high-toned — adjective pretentiously elegant a high toned restaurant • Syn: ↑high class • Similar to: ↑elegant …

    Useful english dictionary

  • 7high-toned — adj 1. high principled, respectable, reputable, ethical, moral, uncorrupt; straightforward, aboveboard, disinterested, dispassionate, truthful, candid; dignified, distinguished, distingue, impressive, imposing; honorable, venerable, revered;… …

    A Note on the Style of the synonym finder

  • 8high-toned — a. 1. Acute, sharp, shrill, high. 2. Noble, honorable. See high minded, 2 …

    New dictionary of synonyms

  • 9high-toned — /ˈhaɪ toʊnd/ (say huy tohnd) adjective 1. high in tone or pitch. 2. having high principles; dignified. 3. US Colloquial of, or with pretensions to, superior social status …

  • 10high-toned — adjective Date: 1807 1. high in social, moral, or intellectual quality 2. pretentious, pompous …

    New Collegiate Dictionary