intone

/ɪnˈtəʊn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈtəʊn/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈtōn/ (ame, mw)

intone — verb

  • intonepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • intoneshe / she / it
  • intonedpast simple
  • intoning-ing form

1. to read or speak something using a flat, serious tone of voice that stays at the

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to read or speak something using a flat, serious tone of voice that stays at the same pitch throughout, especially during formal ceremonies or official proceedings

例句

The judge intoned the sentence as the accused waited in silence.

intone + direct object in legal context

Ibrahim intoned the ancient blessing at the start of the ceremony.

同義詞
  • recite

    broader meaning; describes reading or repeating from memory without specifying tone

  • declaim

    more forceful and dramatic delivery, often to an audience

  • pronounce

    focuses on clear articulation rather than the tone or pitch of the voice

反義詞
  • exclaim

    sudden emotional utterance, opposite of the measured flat tone

  • whisper

    very quiet speech, not projected or formal

文法句型

intone + noun phrase

intone + adverbial

用法筆記

Subject is typically a person in a formal role (judge, priest, official). The object is usually a formal or ceremonial statement (verdict, oath, prayer, blessing). Frequently appears in descriptions of traditional ceremonies, court proceedings, and religious services.

常見錯誤

❌She intoned the joke to her friends at the party.
✅The priest intoned the blessing during the service.
💡'intone' implies a serious, formal, flat tone and is not used for casual or humorous speech.

2. to recite words in a musical or singing voice, often as part of a religious serv

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to recite words in a musical or singing voice, often as part of a religious service, ritual, or traditional performance, with a steady rhythm and clear tonal pattern

例句

The monks intoned the evening psalm in the candlelit chapel.

intone + religious text in worship context

Diego listened as the choir intoned the sacred hymn.

同義詞
  • chant

    more common and slightly less formal; can be used for both religious and non-religious repetitive utterances

  • sing

    wider meaning; implies melody with more pitch variation than intoning

  • recite

    general term for repeating from memory, not limited to musical delivery

反義詞
  • mumble

    unclear, indistinct speech, opposite of the clear musical delivery

  • whisper

    quiet breathy speech, not projected or musical

文法句型

intone + noun phrase

intone + adverbial

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (MONOTONE): sense 2 involves musical pitch variation and rhythm, while sense 1 keeps a flat, unchanging tone. Sense 2 is common in religious, ritual, and traditional storytelling contexts where the delivery follows a melodic pattern.

常見錯誤

❌He intoned loudly to get everyone to look at him.
✅The choir intoned the psalm during the morning service.
💡'intone' in this sense refers to musical or rhythmic recitation, not simply speaking loudly for attention.