intone etymology

Etymology

The word "intone" derives from the Latin verb "intonāre," meaning "to thunder, to make a sound." It is composed of the prefix "in-," meaning "into," and the verb "tonāre," meaning "to thunder."

Meaning

1. To utter with a particular tone or inflection:

• "The priest intoned the prayer with a solemn voice."
• "She intoned the song with a soft and melodious voice."

2. To recite in a monotonous or chanting tone:

• "The monks intoned the litany in low and measured voices."
• "The students intoned their homework assignments."

Origin

The Latin verb "intonāre" was first used in the 4th century BC. It was originally associated with the loud and powerful sound of thunder. Over time, the meaning of the verb expanded to include other types of vocal sounds, such as singing, chanting, and reciting. The word "intone" entered the English language in the 15th century.

intone relate terms

• thunder

  Etymology The word thunder comes from the Old English word þunor which is derived f

• intonate

  Etymology Derived from the Latin phrase in tonare which means to thunder into or

• intone

  Etymology The word intone derives from the Latin verb intonāre meaning to thunder

• chant

  Etymology The word chant originates from the Old French word chanter which in turn

• tone

  Etymology Origin Middle English toune from Old English tun meaning enclosed set

• chant

  Etymology The word chant originates from the Old French word chanter which in turn

• mouth

  Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

• talk

  Etymology Talk derives from the Middle English word talen which itself originates fr

• speak

  Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

• sign

  Etymology The word sign comes from the Latin word signum which means mark token o

• sing

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It examines the

• judge

  Etymology Latin judex meaning judge Proto Indo European root dyeu or diu

• utter

  Etymology Origin Utter comes from the Middle English word utren which itself der