noun

intonation

in-tuh-NAY-shun/ˌɪntəˈneɪʃn/

The manner in which musical or spoken pitches are produced.

Her rising intonation makes the statement sound like a question.

A person asks a question then makes a statement, two simple smooth pitch curves above speech bubbles show rising versus falling voice; no words.

Etymology

inLatinin

+tonLatintone

+ationLatinaction or state

The 'in' and 'tone' pieces underlie the idea of singing according to tone. Intonation moved from a musical opening phrase and the act of intoning to the changing pitch of ordinary speech.

In context

TOEFL with Juva4:28

Rising intonation often indicates questions or uncertainty. Falling intonation shows statements or certainty.

TOEFL Listen and Repeat – Tips, Tricks and Examples

More examples

The violinist adjusts her finger position to improve her intonation.
The choir practices slow scales to develop accurate intonation.
His flat intonation makes even good news sound dull.

Forms

intonation · intonations

intone verb — To speak or sing in sustained tones.

Similar words

inflection: Emphasizes a particular vocal change rather than overall pitch patterns.
pitch: Names how high or low a sound is, not its accuracy.