Definition
定调 is a verb meaning 'to set the tone' — it's used both literally in music (setting the key) and figuratively in leadership, policy, or communication contexts to mean 'to establish the guiding principle, direction, or mood'. It often appears in political or organizational discourse, where a leader or authority figure 'sets the tone' for a discussion, policy, or event.
v
to set the tone (figuratively, for a discussion, policy, or event)to set the key (in music)
Examples
- ，定调。Huìyì yì kāishǐ, zhǔxí jiù wèi tǎolùn dìng diào.At the start of the meeting, the chair set the tone for the discussion.
- 定调。Zhèngfǔ de xīn zhèngcè wèi jīngjì fāzhǎn dìng diào.The government's new policy set the tone for economic development.
- 定调。Yuèduì zhǐhuī xiān wèi qǔzi dìng diào.The conductor first set the key for the piece.
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