"Toned" is the past participle of the verb "tone." "Tone" originated from the Middle English word "ton," which is derived from the Old French word "ton," meaning "tone" or "tune." The Old French word is ultimately derived from the Latin word "tonus," which is related to the Greek word "tonos," meaning "tension" or "strain."
Meaning
(of a muscle) Made firm and shapely by regular exercise.
(of a sound or color) Having a specific pitch or hue.
(of a mood or atmosphere) Having a particular character or quality.
Origin
The word "toned" first appeared in the late 16th century, meaning "having a specific pitch or resonance." By the early 17th century, it had also acquired the meaning of "having a specific hue." The use of "toned" to describe the appearance of muscles is first recorded in the early 19th century.
Examples
She had long, toned legs that she kept in shape with daily workouts.
The walls were painted in soft, toned colors that created a calming atmosphere.
She spoke in a low, toned voice that was full of emotion.
