Intonated: meaning, definitions and examples
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intonated
[ ˈɪn.tə.neɪ.tɪd ]
speech patterns
Intonated refers to the way in which one's voice rise and falls when speaking, often to convey meaning or emotion. This can include variations in pitch and rhythm that emphasize certain words or phrases.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She intonated her words to give them more meaning.
- The teacher intonated the instructions to ensure clarity.
- He intonated the last sentence with a dramatic pause.
- In poetry, intonated readings can enhance emotional impact.
Etymology
The term 'intonated' originates from the Latin word 'intonare', which means 'to thunder' or 'to sound'. The word evolved in the English language during the late 14th century, gaining a more specific meaning related to the variation of pitch in spoken language. Historically, intonation has been essential in distinguishing meaning and sentiment in both spoken and sung communication. In linguistics, the concept of intonation encompasses the rise and fall of voice pitch, which plays a crucial role in conveying emotions or queries within sentences. Over time, studies on intonation have expanded, exploring its importance across different languages and in various contexts, such as music, rhetoric, and interpersonal communication.