Which term encompasses pitch movements within an utterance?

Intonation is the term that encompasses pitch movements within an utterance. It refers to the variation in pitch while speaking, which is crucial for conveying meaning, emotion, and grammatical structure. Intonation patterns can indicate questions, statements, excitement, or uncertainty, among other communicative intents. Mastery of intonation is essential for effective verbal communication, as it adds nuances that words alone may not convey.

Understanding how pitch varies in speech helps in distinguishing different types of sentences and their meanings. For instance, a rising intonation at the end of a sentence often signifies a question in English. Therefore, intonation plays a vital role in clarity and comprehension during communication, making it an essential aspect of speech production and perception.