intonation Definition
the rise and fall of the voice in speaking, especially as this affects the meaning of what is being said.
Using intonation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "intonation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Her intonation made it clear that she was asking a question.
Example
The teacher's intonation helped the students understand the meaning of the sentence.
Example
He spoke with a flat intonation, making it difficult to tell if he was being sarcastic or not.
intonation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for intonation
Phrases with intonation
a downward pitch at the end of a sentence, typically indicating a statement or declaration
Example
She used a falling intonation at the end of her sentence, indicating that she was making a statement.
an upward pitch at the end of a sentence, typically indicating a question or uncertainty
Example
Her rising intonation at the end of the sentence made it clear that she was asking a question.
the accuracy of pitch when playing or singing music
Example
The choir's musical intonation was impressive, with each singer hitting the correct notes.
Summary: intonation in Brief
Intonation [ˌɪn.təʊˈneɪ.ʃən] refers to the rise and fall of the voice in speaking, which can affect the meaning of what is being said. It includes aspects such as accent, inflection, modulation, pitch, and tone. Falling intonation indicates a statement or declaration, while rising intonation indicates a question or uncertainty. Musical intonation refers to the accuracy of pitch when playing or singing music.