Intonate: meaning, definitions and examples

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intonate

[ ˈɪntəneɪt ]

^{Context #1}

speech

To change the pitch or tone of one's voice while speaking, especially to convey meaning or emotion. It is an important aspect of effective communication.

Synonyms

accentuate, emphasize, stress

Examples of usage

She intonated her words to express her excitement.
The professor intonated his lecture to keep the students engaged.

^{Context #2}

music

To sing or play music with variations in pitch. It adds depth and emotion to the performance.

Synonyms

inflect, modulate, vary

Examples of usage

The singer intonated the song beautifully.
The violinist intonated the piece with passion.

Translations

Translations of the word "intonate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entoar

🇮🇳 स्वर में गाना

🇩🇪 intonieren

🇮🇩 melagukan

🇺🇦 інтонувати

🇵🇱 intonować

🇯🇵 イントネーションを付ける

🇫🇷 intoner

🇪🇸 entonar

🇹🇷 tonlamak

🇰🇷 억양을 붙이다

🇸🇦 ينغم

🇨🇿 intonovat

🇸🇰 intonovať

🇨🇳 抑扬顿挫

🇸🇮 intonirati

🇮🇸 tóna

🇰🇿 интонациялау

🇬🇪 ინტონაცია

🇦🇿 intonasiya etmək

🇲🇽 entonar

Word origin

The word 'intonate' comes from the Latin word 'intonare', which means 'to sing'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century. Originally, it was mainly associated with music and singing, but over time, its meaning has expanded to include variations in pitch in speech as well.