TONE

(STANDARD) [noun] [U] - the standard of somethingA stunning goal from Brinkworth just before half-time set the tone (= established the standard) for a much improved second-half performance from the Manchester team.I don't think they like students living next to them because it lowers the tone of the neighbourhood.Trust you to lower the tone of the evening by telling vulgar jokes, Martin!Well, I thought it might raise the moral tone of the evening if I invited a vicar to the party.