intone
C1/C2Formal, literary, religious/ritualistic
Definition
Meaning
to say or recite something in a singing or chanting voice, especially in a slow, measured, and monotonous way.
To utter or articulate a sound, word, or sentence with a particular tone, especially one that is formal, solemn, or ritualistic. It can also refer to the act of producing musical pitch with the voice.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, controlled, and often emotionally detached or ceremonial manner of speaking. Often used in contexts of prayer, liturgy, formal announcements, or poetic recitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties. Slightly more common in British English in ecclesiastical contexts.
Connotations
Formal, archaic, solemn, ritualistic.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both varieties, primarily found in written texts, religious services, and formal speeches.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[transitive] intone something[intransitive] The priest began to intone.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'intone'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Could appear metaphorically: 'The CEO intoned the company's new core values.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, musicology, linguistics (intonation), and religious studies.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in linguistics/phonetics as a related term 'intonation'. In music, refers to pitch accuracy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The vicar began to intone the burial service in a deep, resonant voice.
- The ancient text was intoned rather than read.
American English
- The judge intoned the sentence, 'Life in prison.'
- The monk intoned the daily prayers at dawn.
adverb
British English
- He spoke intoningly, which bored the congregation.
American English
- She recited the poem intoningly.
adjective
British English
- The intoned passage had a hypnotic quality.
American English
- We listened to the intoned liturgy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher intoned the alphabet slowly for the children.
- The priest intoned the traditional prayer during the ceremony.
- The official intoned the proclamation in a voice devoid of emotion, as required by protocol.
- Critics noted the poet's tendency to intone his verses in a manner some found affectedly archaic.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'in-TONE' - putting something INTO a specific TONE of voice.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS RITUAL MUSIC (chanting, liturgical recitation)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интонировать' which is broader and can mean 'to intonate/phrase musically'. English 'intone' is more specific to solemn/chanting speech.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'intonate' (more technical). Using it for any kind of speaking instead of its specific monotonous/ceremonial sense.
- Misspelling as 'entone'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'intone' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Intone' specifically refers to speaking in a chanting, monotone, or singsong manner, often without a melody. 'Sing' involves musical notes and melody.
Yes, it can imply a boring, monotonous, or pretentiously solemn delivery. E.g., 'He intoned his lecture, putting everyone to sleep.'
The related noun is 'intonation' (the rise and fall of the voice in speaking), but for the act itself, 'intonement' is rare. 'Chanting' or 'recitation' are more common.
It is used, but it's a formal, low-frequency word. You'll encounter it most in writing, religious contexts, and descriptions of formal speech.
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