1610s, "opening phrase of a melody," from French intonation, from Medieval Latin intonationem (nominative intonatio), from past participle stem of intonare (see intone). Meaning "modulation of the voice in speaking" is from 1791.
权威例句
1. In English, some questions have a rising intonation.
英语中有些疑问句使用升调。
2. The teacher checks for pronunciation and intonation.
老师在检查发音和语调.
3. Questions are spoken with a rising intonation.
疑问句是以升调说出来的.
4. English intonation is not hard to learn.
英语语调不难学.
5. She speaks English with very natural intonation.