downtoner

/ˈdaʊn.təʊ.nər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdaʊn.toʊ.nɚ/ (ame, ipa)

downtoner — noun

  • downtonersingular
  • downtonersplural

1. a word or short phrase speakers use to soften another expression so it sounds le

1.名詞C2
釋義

a word or short phrase speakers use to soften another expression so it sounds less strong or less direct.

例句

Christopher added "just" as a downtoner before criticizing the budget plan.

"just" used as a downtoner before criticism

Amani used "a bit" as a downtoner when rejecting the noisy apartment.

phrase downtoner softening a negative opinion

同義詞
  • mitigator

    broader technical term for language that reduces force or impact

  • softener

    less technical and more general than the linguistic label downtoner

反義詞
  • intensifier

    strengthens a statement instead of weakening it

文法句型

use + [word or phrase] + as a downtoner

insert/add + a downtoner + before + criticism/request

用法筆記

Mostly used in grammar or pragmatics discussions, often for items such as just, rather, or a bit. It names the softening expression itself, not politeness in general.

常見錯誤

❌Please is a downtoner in that sentence.
✅Just is the downtoner in that sentence.
💡'please' adds politeness, but a downtoner specifically weakens the force of what follows.