intonate
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Technical (Linguistics)
Definition
Meaning
To speak with a particular rise and fall in the pitch of the voice.
To deliver speech with specific melodic patterns for emphasis, questioning, or emotional expression. Also used in linguistics to describe the systematic use of pitch at the phrase or sentence level.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used interchangeably with 'intonate' and 'intonation', but 'intonate' is more specific to the action of producing intonation. It is less common in everyday speech than 'use intonation' or 'speak with intonation'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties prefer the noun 'intonation' and phrases like 'use intonation' in common speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a technical or analytical connotation, more typical of linguistic discussion than casual conversation.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage in both BrE and AmE, but slightly more likely to be encountered in academic linguistic texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] intonates [Object: phrase/sentence][Subject] intonates [Adverbial: with emotion/as a question]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'intonate']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The trainer emphasised the need to intonate key points clearly during the presentation.'
Academic
Common in linguistics/phonetics. 'The study analysed how children learn to intonate wh-questions.'
Everyday
Very rare. Typically replaced by simpler phrases like 'say it with feeling' or 'change your tone'.
Technical
Core term in phonetics and speech therapy. 'The software can graphically represent how a patient intonates a list.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- A skilled presenter will intonate their speech to maintain audience interest.
- Languages like Mandarin intonate syllables to distinguish meaning.
American English
- The voice coach asked her to intonate the final phrase as a question.
- Young children often intonate commands before they master the grammar.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Intonationally' is used.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Intonationally' is used.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Intonational' is used.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Intonational' is used.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too advanced for A2. Not taught.]
- [Too advanced for B1. Not typically taught.]
- Listen to how she intonates the list, raising her pitch on each item.
- In English, you intonate a yes/no question with a rising pitch at the end.
- The linguist demonstrated how different dialects intonate tag questions in subtly distinct ways.
- Actors must learn to precisely intonate their lines to convey subtext and emotion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN-TONE-ATE. You put a TONE INTO your speech.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOICE IS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT (we 'play' notes of pitch on it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'интонировать' in its musical sense (to intone/sing). In English, 'intonate' is purely linguistic.
- Do not confuse with 'интонация' (intonation). 'Intonate' is the verb; the noun is 'intonation'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intonate' to mean 'pronounce' (e.g., 'He intonated the word clearly').
- Confusing 'intonate' (pitch patterns) with 'enunciate' (clarity of speech sounds).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the verb 'intonate' most commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intonation' is the noun referring to the pattern of pitch in speech. 'Intonate' is the verb for the act of producing that pattern.
No, it is quite rare. Most people would say 'use intonation' or 'change your tone' instead.
Typically no. For singing, words like 'intoned' or 'sang' are used. 'Intonate' is specific to the pitch patterns of speech.
In many contexts, 'say with a rising/falling tone' or 'modulate one's voice' can be simpler alternatives.