Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined phrasal verb:
The editor asked the young columnist to tone down her harsh remarks about the coach before the article was printed.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → soften
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
Tone down means to make something less strong, harsh or loud. Its closest meaning is soften. Example: The principal asked us to tone down the jokes in our skit for the parents’ day.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) explain | to make something clear by giving details or reasons | Our teacher explained the new marking scheme in the first class. |
| (2) check | to look at something carefully to see that it is correct | Arjun checked his answers twice before handing in the paper. |
| (3) soften (answer) | to make something gentler or less harsh (same as tone down) | Ria softened her voice when she spoke to the crying child. |
| (4) shorten | to make something shorter in length or time | The tailor shortened the sleeves of my kurta. |