verb

intone

in-TOHN/ɪnˈtəʊn/

To say or recite in a solemn, chant-like voice.

The priest intones a blessing as the congregation bows.

An older white adult recites slowly from a ceremonial book, sustained voice shown by even flowing lines.

Etymology

The combination of 'in' and 'tone' meant singing according to tone. Intoning carries that musical quality into recitation: words are delivered with a chant-like pitch rather than the inflections of ordinary conversation.

More examples

The monks intone their evening prayers together.
She intoned each line of the poem slowly and solemnly.
“Dinner is served,” he intones with exaggerated solemnity.

Forms

intone · intones · intoned · intoning

intonation noun — The rise and fall of vocal pitch.

Similar words

chant: Emphasizes rhythmic repetition, often with a simple musical pattern.
recite: Emphasizes speaking memorized or prepared words, without a required tone.
declaim: Suggests forceful, dramatic delivery rather than a steady chant.