Intonation
noun /ˌɪntəˈneɪʃən/ — The rise and fall of the voice — the melody of speech that carries meaning beyond the words.
Definition
The rise and fall of the voice in speaking; the way in which pitch varies in speech to convey meaning and emotion; the action of intoning.
Beyond the definition
Intonation is meaning's invisible carrier — the same words said with different intonation become different statements. 'Really?' can be a question, a challenge, a compliment, or a rebuke. The words are identical; the intonation is everything.
Origin & history
From Medieval Latin intonare — to thunder, to intone (in: into + tonare: to thunder). The introduction of tone — making speech tonal, giving it the music of pitch variation.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
His intonation made every question sound like a statement — the voice falling where it should have risen.
She could communicate warmth or distance through intonation alone, without changing a word.
The intonation of 'fine' in response to 'are you okay?' is its own entire language.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Intonation” when the meaning fits your context: The rise and fall of the voice in speaking; the way in which pitch varies in speech to convey meaning and emotion; the action of intoning.
Synonyms
pitch, tone, inflection, cadence, modulation
Antonyms
monotone, flatness
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Genuine and Animated Talk
Two friends chatting in a warm, busy cafe use expressive gestures while speaking comfortably to each other.
The friends’ lively hand gestures and expressive faces suggest a wide range of vocal intonation, as they vary the pitch and strength of their speech to convey meaning and emotion. The scene shows the natural, dynamic way voices rise and fall in a comfortable, local setting.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Intonation" mean?
Intonation is noun meaning: The rise and fall of the voice — the melody of speech that carries meaning beyond the words.. The rise and fall of the voice in speaking; the way in which pitch varies in speech to convey meaning and emotion; the action of intoning.
Where does the word "Intonation" come from?
From Medieval Latin intonare — to thunder, to intone (in: into + tonare: to thunder). The introduction of tone — making speech tonal, giving it the music of pitch variation.