intonation

American  

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

noun

• intonations
  plural

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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• intonational
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• intonations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of intonation

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

Explanation

Even if your friend claims she's not upset by the death of her pet iguana, her intonation may tell a different story. Intonation means the way someone's voice rises and falls as they're speaking. Your emotions, your regional accent, or just the particular way you're used to speaking can all affect the intonation of your voice. There's something musical in the way people speak, and intonation describes that musicality. The word also means "producing musical tones," either with your voice or a musical instrument. Another kind of intonation is chanting, or half-speaking, half-singing your words.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

intonation intonations

On the highlight “Waist Deep,” a piano-led pop number with a chord progression that recalls John Lennon’s “Watching the Wheels,” her intonation is simple and clear, content to let the melody do the emotional work.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

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

From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2026

He tried to focus on his mannerisms, on the intonation of his voice.

From Salon ● Jan. 7, 2025

But in the second version, the added focus, through intonation, implies that "toy" contrasts with the previously discussed "blicket."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 21, 2024

Just intonation makes two accommodations to allow its pure intervals.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

On set, Strong, who is famous for his extensive preparation, maintained Zuckerberg’s intonations even when cameras weren’t rolling.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

The Spanish is archaic, the intonations are complicated, and the words tumble over themselves like a hard charge toward the goal posts.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

His personality is conveyed through the different intonations in which he delivers his name.

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2024

Birds squawked in weird intonations, a few stars dotted a purplish sky, and the temperature felt like it dropped several degrees.

From National Geographic ● Jan. 4, 2024

The smell of incense and lilies, the candles lit for loved ones passed away, the throaty intonations of the priest, and the majestic trumpeting of the organ.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline