intonate
|in-to-nate|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈɪntəˌneɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈɪntəneɪt/
speaking in a tone
Etymology
Etymology Information
'intonate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'intonare,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'tonare' meant 'to thunder.'
Historical Evolution
'intonare' transformed into the French word 'intoner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'intonate' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to thunder into,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to speak with a particular tone.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to speak or recite with a particular tone or modulation of voice.
The teacher intonated the poem with great emotion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/02 16:44