Intonate

To intonate is to utter words or sing notes with a particular inflection of the voice, conveying meaning or emotion through changes in pitch and rhythm. It encompasses the act of modulating the voice to create emphasis, clarify meaning, and shape the overall impression of the spoken or sung content. Intonation plays a critical role in spoken communication, adding nuances that extend beyond the literal words themselves and it adds expressiveness. The correct use of intonation enables more effective communication through accentuation and emotional conveyance. Mastering intonation is central to effective vocal delivery in public speaking, acting, and singing.

Intonate meaning with examples

• The actor practiced intonating the soliloquy, focusing on the subtle shifts in pitch to convey Hamlet's internal conflict and inner turmoil to the audience.
• The singing teacher instructed her students on how to intonate the melody, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent breath and even tone for a successful rendition.
• As he read the poem aloud, he carefully intonated each line, using a rising inflection at the end of the questions to communicate uncertainty and intrigue in the story.
• The professor, known for his dramatic lectures, was intonating the lecture on political history, using his vocal inflection to underscore key points and capture the student’s attention.
• She struggled to intonate the unfamiliar foreign language phrases correctly, causing frequent misunderstandings, until she understood that inflection changes the phrases entire meaning.