Intonating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intonating

[ˈɪntəneɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in speech

To vary the pitch or tone of one's voice while speaking in order to convey meaning or emotion. Intonating is an important aspect of effective communication.

Synonyms

accentuate, emphasize, stress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intonating	Using changes in pitch and tone when speaking or singing to convey meaning or emotion. The teacher was intonating the sentence to make sure the students understood the question. She was intonating beautifully during the performance, moving the audience to tears.
emphasize	To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing. The coach emphasized the importance of teamwork during the practice. In her speech, she emphasized the need for better education policies.
stress	To give particular importance to a point or idea, often used in a negative context when referring to pressure or urgency. He stressed the deadline was non-negotiable and everyone had to finish on time. The doctor stressed the health risks associated with poor diet.
accentuate	To make something more noticeable or prominent, often through visual or stylistic enhancements. The designer used bright colors to accentuate the main features of the dress. He placed a spotlight to accentuate the sculpture's details.

Examples of usage

She intonated her words to express her excitement.
He intonated his voice to show empathy towards the audience.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in singing

To sing with variations in pitch or tone, especially to convey the emotional content of the lyrics. Intonating in singing adds depth and expression to the performance.

Synonyms

intonate, melodize, modulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intonating	This appears to be a repetition. Refer to the first explanation.
modulate	Generally used in both musical and general contexts to describe adjusting or changing the pitch, tone, or frequency. It is also used in electronics and radio when discussing signal manipulation. She was able to modulate her voice to match the character's emotions The engineer modulated the signal to reduce noise
melodize	Used when someone is adding a melody or turning speech into a musical form. This term is often used in songwriting or musical composition. The composer was able to melodize the poetry into a beautiful song
intonate	This verb is often used when describing the act of uttering words with a particular pitch or tone. It is particularly relevant in musical settings or in phonetics when studying speech patterns. She asked him to intonate the notes clearly for the choir rehearsal

Examples of usage

The singer intonated the song beautifully, capturing the audience's attention.
Her ability to intonate while singing made the performance truly captivating.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'intonating'

The word 'intonating' is derived from the verb 'intone,' which comes from the Latin word 'intonare,' meaning 'to thunder or resound.' The use of intonation in speech and music dates back centuries, with various cultures incorporating intonating techniques into their vocal practices for communication and artistic expression.