intone

[ in-tohn ]

verb (used with object)

, in·toned, in·ton·ing.

1. to utter with a particular tone or voice modulation.
2. to give tone or variety of tone to; vocalize.
3. to utter in a singing voice (the first tones of a section in a liturgical service).
4. to recite or chant in monotone.

verb (used without object)

, in·toned, in·ton·ing.

1. to speak or recite in a singing voice, especially in monotone; chant.
2. Music. to produce a tone, or a particular series of tones, like a scale, especially with the voice.

intone

/ ɪnˈtəʊn /

verb

1. to utter, recite, or sing (a chant, prayer, etc) in a monotonous or incantatory tone
2. intr to speak with a particular or characteristic intonation or tone
3. to sing (the opening phrase of a psalm, etc) in plainsong

Derived Forms

• inˈtoner, noun

Other Words From

• in·toner noun
• half-in·toned adjective
• unin·toned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intone¹

1475–85; < Medieval Latin intonāre; replacing earlier entone < Middle French entoner < Medieval Latin; in- ², tone

Word History and Origins

Origin of intone¹

C15: from Medieval Latin intonare, from in- ² + tone

Example Sentences

“I am a voyager upon the planet,” I often intone to myself, as if I were a character in a science fiction epic and not just a guy walking to the bus stop.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am a voyager upon the planet,” I often intone to myself, as if I were a character in a science fiction epic and not just a guy walking to the bus stop.

From Los Angeles Times

“Why is Black discourse always about precipitation,” they intone, “While ignoring the sweet scent of petrichor after rain.”

From Los Angeles Times

The singers intone the text quickly while sliding downward with their voices, or hold long, clear notes that blossom into brief melismas.

From New York Times

Separated from their calves to produce milk, they intone musical verses about their motherly desperation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• articulate
• chant
• croon
• recite
• sing