Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Spoken in a monotone or chant-like rhythm: Describes speech or vocalization that is delivered with a steady, often unvarying pitch and rhythm, similar to chanting or reciting.

Usage

The word "intoned" is used to describe a specific manner of speaking. It emphasizes a lack of the natural variation in pitch and pace found in regular conversation, often giving the speech a formal, ritualistic, or monotonous quality.

Examples

• The priest intoned the ancient prayer in a deep, resonant voice.
• The teacher's intoned lecture made it difficult for the students to stay awake.
• The news was delivered in a flat, intoned manner, devoid of any emotion.

Advanced Usage

• "intoned" as a verb (past tense of "intone"): While "intoned" is commonly used as an adjective, it is also the simple past tense and past participle of the verb "to intone," meaning to say or recite with a particular tone, especially in a chanting manner.
  • He intoned the words of the ceremony with great solemnity. (Here, "intoned" is a verb describing the action.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intone (verb): To utter or recite in a singing tone or with a particular cadence.
  • The monk began to intone the evening chant.
• Intonation (noun): The rise and fall of the voice in speaking; the act of intoning.
  • Her intonation made the question sound like a statement.

Synonyms

• Chanted: Sung or spoken in a repetitive musical way.
• Monotonous: Lacking in variation in tone or pitch.
• Recited: Repeated aloud from memory.
• Singsong: Having a repeated rising and falling rhythm.

Related Phrases

• In an intoned voice: A phrase used to describe the manner of speaking.
  • The announcement was made in a slow, intoned voice.

Adjective

1. uttered in a monotonous cadence or rhythm as in chanting
   • their chantlike intoned prayers
   • a singsong manner of speaking