The language has four basic tones: high, low, strong mid, and weak mid.

"I just need to catch my breath," she said in a weaker tone.

Five white hoods turned to regard him, and he finished in a weaker tone.

The bond market started the day with a weak tone as investors expressed some concern that the two-year note auction would not be well received.

The weak tone of business during the holidays is likely to increase the cautiousness of retailers this year, analysts said.

A weak tone in the beef industry was the cause of sluggish trading.

"We used this room for a broadcast," explained Wrightley, in a weak tone.

"I got caught in one of the blasts," she said, surprised at the petulant and weak tone of her own voice.

However, until the late 19th century, the contrabassoon typically had a weak tone and poor intonation.

Merely attaching the Cristofori action to a harpsichord would have produced a very weak tone.