intonation

noun

in·​to·​na·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən 

-(ˌ)tō-

1

: manner of utterance

specifically : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech

2

: something that is intoned

specifically : the opening tones of a Gregorian chant

3

: the act of intoning and especially of chanting

4

: the ability to play or sing notes in tune

intonational

ˌin-tə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-(ˌ)tō-

adjective

Examples of intonation in a Sentence

identical sentences, differing only in intonation

Recent Examples on the Web

From virtual assistants that can hold conversations with natural intonation to digital avatars that replicate human facial expressions, AI is becoming more human-like in its appearance and behavior. —Oguz A. Acar, anne-Kathrin Klesse, mirjam A. Tuk, Harvard Business Review, 7 Jan. 2025

These elements can then be presented as italics on a computer screen but be read with a different intonation by a screen reader. —Tim Carmody, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2025

While her snappy lyrics structure these songs of reflection and self-care, her deep arsenal of flows, intonations, and melodies bring them to life. 7. —Stephen Kearse, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024

That question can be asked with different intonations. —Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

intonation

noun

in·​to·​na·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of intoning

also : something intoned

2

: the ability to play or sing music in tune

3

: the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech

intonational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective