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

“Whatever I do, I do for America,” he intones with smarmy conviction.

From Salon

“It’s a unique kind of uplift, I think,” he intones, capturing the director’s cheeky sense of humor.

From Salon

“You are entertained and satiated,” the narrator intones, “you are seemingly productive. But you are not great.”

From BBC

“Time for Kamala Harris to face some real scrutiny,” intoned The Telegraph.

From Salon

“I’m in the mood for adulation,” La Callas intones, requesting a table where the waiters know her name or an appointment with a “hairdresser who doesn’t speak.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• articulate
• chant
• croon
• recite
• sing