'intonate' 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 'intonate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to thunder or make a loud sound,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to speak or sing in a particular tone.'