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Definition of intone

intone

/ɪnˈtoʊn/
in · tone
Past Simple:intoned
•
Past Participle:intoned
•
Present Participle:intoning
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intone Lexical Profile

intone Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To say or recite something with little rise and fall of the pitch of the voice, or in a solemn, resonant chanting manner.

Example

"The priest began to intone the ancient prayers as the congregation bowed their heads in silence."

2

To utter the opening phrase of a liturgical chant or psalm in order to set the musical pitch for the choir or congregation.

Example

"The cantor stepped forward to intone the opening verse of the evening vespers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for intone

• Nearby Words

intolerantly
intolerantness
intonation
intone
intoxicant
intoxicate
intoxicated

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Medieval Latin intonare ('to sing according to tone'), from Latin in- ('in, upon') and tonus ('tone, sound'), which itself derives from Ancient Greek tonos ('stretching, pitch').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Intone. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/intone
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