Intone: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when speaking or chanting in a way that is deliberate, slow, and often with a musical or monotone quality.

• The priest intoned the blessings during the ceremony.

Appropriate for repeated rhythmic singing or shouting, often seen in religious ceremonies or protests.

• The monks chanted their prayers in unison.
• The crowd began to chant slogans demanding change.

Best used when talking about delivering a speech or piece of poetry from memory, usually in a formal or public setting.

• He recited the poem flawlessly at the talent show.

Used when speaking with careful attention to pitch and inflection. Often refers to the modulation of voice in speech or singing.

• She intonated her speech, giving it a melodic quality.

Use in situations where something is spoken in a slow, solemn, or musical way.

• She intoned the prayer with great reverence.
• The priest intoned the chorus.

Commonly used when making a firm and public statement, often in a formal or official setting.

• He declared his love for her in front of everyone.
• The president declared a state of emergency.

Use when making a formal or authoritative announcement, often with great emphasis.

• The herald proclaimed the king's arrival.
• She proclaimed her innocence loudly and clearly.

Use when making information known to the public, typically in an official manner.

• The principal announced the start of the new school year.
• They announced their engagement last weekend.

This word is often used when referring to speaking or chanting words in a slow, singing, or monotone voice. It's commonly used in religious or ceremonial contexts.

• The priest intoned the final blessing.
• She intoned the poem slowly, giving it a solemn feeling.

Similar to 'intone,' this word is more formal and can be used in musical contexts, referring to singing or playing notes accurately, but also for the modulation of voice pitch in speech.

• The choir intonated the hymn perfectly.
• Actors must learn to intonate their lines to convey the right emotions.