Pronunciation: [ɪntˈə͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The word "intone" is spelled with a stress on the first syllable and pronounced as /ɪnˈtoʊn/. The sound "in" is represented by the letter "i", followed by a "t" and "o" to create the "to" sound. Finally, an "n" and "e" are added to complete the word. The word means to speak or sing in a particular tone or to recite something in a monotone voice. The spelling may seem tricky, but with practice, it can be easily remembered.
Intone is a transitive verb that refers to the act of uttering or reciting with a particular tone or melodic quality, typically in a singing or chanting manner. It involves vocalizing words slowly, melodiously, and with a measured rhythm, often emphasizing specific syllables or sounds. When someone intones, they employ a deliberate and expressive style of speaking, characterized by a consistent pitch, modulation, or musicality.
The act of intoning is commonly associated with religious or ceremonial contexts, where it is often used to convey solemnity, reverence, or spirituality. It is often utilized during liturgical practices, such as recitations, prayers, or hymns, where the rhythmic and melodic intonation adds a distinctive character and conveys a sense of sacredness. Similarly, intoning may also be heard in some types of traditional singing, such as Gregorian chants or certain forms of cultural or folk music.
In a broader sense, intoning can also be used to describe the act of speaking in a monotonous, droning, or repetitive manner, lacking variation in terms of pitch, emotion, or emphasis. This can occur when someone speaks in a robotic or mechanical way, without inflection or modulation. It can also refer to the act of repeatedly stating or stressing a particular opinion, viewpoint, or mantra in a monotonous or tiresome manner.
Overall, intone involves the intentional modulation or melodic rendering of words, often associated with religious, ceremonial, or musical expressions, but also encompassing repetitive and monotonous speaking.
To utter a slow, protracted, musical sound; to read in a recitative or singing style; to chant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "intone" comes from the Latin root "intonare", which is a combination of two words: "in", meaning "in" or "into", and "tonus", meaning "tone" or "sound". In Latin, "intonare" referred to the action of sounding a musical tone or pitch. Over time, the word evolved and made its way into English, where it took on the meaning of uttering or reciting something in a melodic or monotonous tone, particularly in a religious or ceremonial context.
