downtoner
/ˈdaʊn.təʊ.nər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdaʊn.toʊ.nɚ/ (ame, ipa)
downtoner — 名詞
- downtonersingular
- downtonersplural
1. a word or short phrase speakers use to soften another expression so it sounds le
弱化語
讓語氣沒那麼強的詞語
a word or short phrase speakers use to soften another expression so it sounds less strong or less direct.
Christopher added "just" as a downtoner before criticizing the budget plan.
Christopher 在批評預算案前加上 just 當弱化語。
"just" used as a downtoner before criticism
Amani used "a bit" as a downtoner when rejecting the noisy apartment.
Amani 在拒絕那間太吵的公寓時，用 a bit 當弱化語。
phrase downtoner softening a negative opinion
In class, Tamar circled every downtoner in the customer service script.
課堂上，Tamar 把客服腳本裡的每個弱化語都圈了起來。
The email sounded gentler after Lara inserted a downtoner before the request.
Lara 在請求前插入一個弱化語後，那封電子郵件聽起來比較柔和。
Layla explained that "rather" works as a downtoner in polite complaints.
Layla 解釋說，rather 在禮貌抱怨裡可以當弱化語。
- 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.