Define "intonation" in speech.

Intonation refers specifically to the variations in pitch that occur during speech. This modulation of pitch can convey different meanings, emotions, or grammatical nuances without changing the words themselves. For instance, a rising intonation at the end of a sentence often indicates a question in English, while a falling intonation can signal a statement or completion.

While other aspects of speech, such as speed, rhythm, and loudness, are important for communicative effectiveness, they do not encompass the concept of intonation. Speed refers to how quickly someone speaks, rhythm pertains to the pattern of sounds and silences in speech, and loudness relates to the volume of the vocalization. None of these elements capture the essential characteristic of pitch variation that defines intonation.