intonation

American  

[in-toh-ney-shuhn, -tuh-] / ˌɪn toʊˈneɪ ʃən, -tə- /

noun

1. the pattern or melody of pitch changes in connected speech, especially the pitch pattern of a sentence, which distinguishes kinds of sentences or speakers of different language cultures.

2. the act or manner of intonating.

3. the manner of producing musical tones, specifically the relation in pitch of tones to their key or harmony.

4. something that is intoned or chanted.

5. the opening phrase in a Gregorian chant, usually sung by one or two voices.

---

intonation British  

/ ˌɪntəʊˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the sound pattern of phrases and sentences produced by pitch variation in the voice

2. the act or manner of intoning

3. an intoned, chanted, or monotonous utterance; incantation

4. music the opening of a piece of plainsong, sung by a soloist

5. music

   1. the correct or accurate pitching of intervals

   2. the capacity to play or sing in tune See also just intonation

---

Other Word Forms

• intonational adjective

Etymology

Origin of intonation

First recorded in 1610–20, intonation is from the Medieval Latin word intonātiōn- (stem of intonātiō ). See intonate, -ion

Example Sentences

His unique delivery – conversational and charismatic, combining Jamaican intonation with witty Britishisms and elevated vocabulary – was already in place.

From BBC

Sure, that means annoying stuff — like an endless barrage of aggressive targeted advertising — but also has darker intonations.

From Salon

The phrase was based off his uncle, he said in a 2008 interview, and he had also said it in the same intonation in other films before debuting on HBO's The Wire.

From BBC

I found it easier to pronounce than I anticipated, but having the right intonation was where I relied on Hikari to correct me.

From Los Angeles Times

With one long, deep intonation, the man has stopped all time around them – freezing the water in place – a demonstration of unfathomable power.

From Salon