This is the 2231st most frequent Russian word.
должным
The Russian word "должным" means "proper" or "due" in English.
Here, 'должным' is part of the phrase 'должным образом', meaning 'in a proper manner', often used to describe actions done appropriately.
Он выполнил задачу должным образом.
He performed the task in a proper manner.
In this case, 'должным' modifies 'тоном', describing the tone as proper or appropriate.
Должным тоном говорить было непросто.
Speaking with the proper tone was not easy.
Again, 'должным' is used in the expression 'должным образом', emphasizing the necessity of doing something in an adequate or correct manner.