Intone: meaning, definitions and examples

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intone

[ ɪnˈtəʊn ]

^{Context #1}

in music

Sing or play with modulation of the voice; utter with a particular intonation or in a particular key.

Synonyms

chant, intonate, recite

Examples of usage

She intoned the liturgy in a monotone.
He intoned the ancient prayers.

^{Context #2}

in a formal manner

Say or recite with a particular tone or feeling.

Synonyms

announce, declare, proclaim

Examples of usage

The actor intoned his lines with great emotion.
She intoned the poem in a solemn voice.

^{Context #3}

in a ritualistic or ceremonial way

Recite with musical or incantatory sound.

Synonyms

intonate, intonate, intonize

Examples of usage

The priest intoned the sacred words.
The monks intoned their prayers.

Translations

Translations of the word "intone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entonar

🇮🇳 स्वर देना

🇩🇪 intonieren

🇮🇩 menyanyikan

🇺🇦 інтонувати

🇵🇱 intonować

🇯🇵 イントネーションする

🇫🇷 intoner

🇪🇸 entonar

🇹🇷 intonasyon yapmak

🇰🇷 억양하다

🇸🇦 نغمة

🇨🇿 intonovat

🇸🇰 intonovať

🇨🇳 语调

🇸🇮 intonirati

🇮🇸 intonera

🇰🇿 интонация жасау

🇬🇪 ინტონაცია

🇦🇿 intonasiya

🇲🇽 entonar

Word origin

The word 'intone' originated from the Latin word 'intonare', which means 'to sing'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, 'intone' evolved to mean not only singing or chanting but also reciting with a particular tone or feeling. The word is commonly used in music, religious rituals, and formal speeches.