'intone' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'intonare,' where 'in-' meant 'in' and 'tonare' meant 'to thunder.'

'intonare' transformed into the French word 'intoner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'intone' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to thunder in,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to say or recite with a particular tone or pitch.'