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Intone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intone

[ɪnˈtəʊn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in music

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

Synonyms

chant, intonate, recite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intone

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.
chant

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.
recite

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.
intonate

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.

Examples of usage

  • She intoned the liturgy in a monotone.
  • He intoned the ancient prayers.
Context #2 | Verb

in a formal manner

Say or recite with a particular tone or feeling.

Synonyms

announce, declare, proclaim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intone

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.
declare

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.
proclaim

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.
announce

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.

Examples of usage

  • The actor intoned his lines with great emotion.
  • She intoned the poem in a solemn voice.
Context #3 | Verb

in a ritualistic or ceremonial way

Recite with musical or incantatory sound.

Synonyms

intonate, intonate, intonize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intone

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.
intonate

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.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

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

Origin of 'intone'

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.

See also: monotone, overtone, overtones, ton, tonality, toned, toner, tones, toning, undertone, undertones.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,688, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.