What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prosody
Example
Her prosody was so engaging that the audience was captivated. [prosody: noun]
Example
The teacher emphasized the importance of prosody in effective communication. [prosody: noun]
intonation
Example
Her intonation rose at the end of the sentence, indicating a question. [intonation: noun]
Example
He used a sarcastic intonation to convey his displeasure. [intonation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intonation is more commonly used than prosody in everyday language. Intonation is a more specific term that is often used in discussions of language learning and pronunciation, while prosody is a more technical term that is used in linguistics and speech pathology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prosody and intonation?
Both prosody and intonation are technical terms that are more likely to be used in formal or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.
