intonation Hear it!

intonation Definition

in·to·na·tion (in′tō nās̸hən, -tə-)

noun

  1. the act of intoning
  2. the quality of singing or playing tones in or out of tune with regard to a given standard of pitch
    1. the opening words of a Gregorian chant
    2. the singing of these
  3. Linguis.
    1. the system of significant levels and variations in pitch sequences within an utterance
    2. the type of pitch used at the end of a spoken sentence or phrase to ask a question with a rising intonation

Etymology: ML intonatio

intonation Related Forms

in′·to·na·tional adjective

intonation Synonyms

intonation

n.

inflection, pitch pattern, tone, accent; see accent 2, 3, inflection, sound 2.

intonation Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • rise: Making statements into questions by the use of rising intonation is a type of stepping back from reality.
  • improve: Resonance chamber in bell aids projection and improves intonation in the lower register.
  • use: Using intonation to constrain language models in speech recognition.
  • include: For example observe the tone of your voice, including intonation, timbre, softness, harshness.
  • have: I can tell exactly what they're doing, they have the same intonation no matter what the language is.
  • fall: A repeats the phrase with a falling intonation that indicates the end of the sentence.

Adjective modifier

  • vocal: Poodles are unusually sensitive to vocal intonation, probably one of the reasons they are so easy to train.
  • accurate: The string saddles / bridge are best reversed if possible for consistent wear of grooves and accurate intonation.
  • perfect: The perfect blend between parts and... perfect intonation are also impressive.
  • English: She has also recently conducted research on the acquisition of English intonation by Spanish second langauge learners.
  • appropriate: The curriculum says children should be taught to use clear diction and appropriate intonation.
  • different: A change of hand cupping and a different intonation and the equivalent calls of the greylag are easily produced.

Modifies a noun

  • contour: Rules specify how these elementary pitch movements can be combined to create intonation contours for entire messages.
  • pattern: The pitch of intonation patterns in " Estuary English " appears to be in a narrower frequency band than RP.
  • problem: Please speak with a qualified guitar technician for further advice on intonation problems.
  • unit: Both English and Wardaman employ a substantial number of grammatically independent noun phrase intonation units.
  • system: The formulation of an intonation transcription system for British English.
  • structure: The information about variety-specific intonation structures that we have collected from the other speaking styles is helpful here.

Noun used with modifier

  • question: The guy had that annoying question intonation habit, where every statement sounds like a question.
  • string: However, individual string intonation left a little to be desired.

Browse dictionary entries near intonation

  1. intonate
  2. intolerant
  3. intolerance
  4. intolerable
  5. into
  6. intl
  7. intitule
  8. intitle
  9. intine
  10. intinction
  1. intonation pattern
  2. intone
  3. intoxicant
  4. intoxicate
  5. intoxicated
  6. intoxication
  7. intr
  8. intra-
  9. intracellular
  10. intracity