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Anthem Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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anthem

an-them

🇺🇸 /ˈænθəm/ · 🇬🇧 /ˈænθəm/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A solemn patriotic song officially adopted by a country as an expression of national identity. Anthems are often performed at public events, ceremonies, and sports games to evoke a sense of pride and unity.

Synonyms

hymn, national song, song.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anthem

Appropriate for formal settings or when referring to a song representing a group, state, or nation.

  • The national anthem was played at the beginning of the ceremony.
  • The team sang their school anthem before the game.
hymn

Used primarily in religious contexts, often in church services or other worship settings.

  • The congregation sang a beautiful hymn during the Sunday service.
  • He composed a hymn of praise to God.
song

A general term applicable in various contexts, including entertainment, personal enjoyment, or informal gatherings.

  • She listened to her favorite song on the radio.
  • They wrote a song together for their band's new album.
national song

Can be used when referring to songs that are patriotic but may not hold the official status of an anthem.

  • The citizens stood up to sing the national song.
  • This popular national song often makes people feel proud of their country.

Examples of usage

  • The national anthem of the United States is 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
  • The crowd stood up and sang the anthem with passion.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A piece of choral music or a song of praise or devotion. It is often used in religious or ceremonial settings to convey a sense of reverence and spirituality.

Synonyms

canticle, chorale, hymn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anthem

An 'anthem' is typically used to describe a song that represents a particular group, country, or cause, often with a sense of pride and unity. It is formal and usually grand in nature.

  • The national anthem is sung before every sports event.
  • They chose a special anthem for their campaign.
hymn

A 'hymn' is a religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity. It is typically used in worship settings and can be found in hymnals used by many Christian denominations.

  • They opened the service with a favorite hymn.
  • Many hymns have been passed down through generations.
canticle

'Canticle' is often used in religious or liturgical contexts. It refers to a hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, that is sung during church services.

  • The congregation sang a canticle during the evening service.
  • The choir performed a beautiful canticle from the Book of Psalms.
chorale

A 'chorale' originally referred to a simple, stately hymn tune used in Protestant services, particularly associated with Martin Luther. It can also refer to a harmonized version of such a hymn.

  • The church choir rehearsed the chorale for Sunday’s service.
  • The chorale's harmony was moving and uplifting.

Examples of usage

  • The choir sang a beautiful anthem at the church service.
  • The anthem echoed through the cathedral, filling the space with a sense of peace.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “anthem”

Anthem is a 2-syllable noun (an-them). It is pronounced /ˈænθəm/ in American English and /ˈænθəm/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #18,258 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“anthem” in historical origins

  • The word 'anthem' comes from the Greek 'anthemi,' meaning 'a hymn' or 'a song of praise.'
  • Anthems have been used for centuries, with early examples found in religious music during the Middle Ages.
  • The first national anthem is often considered to be the 'Wilhelmus,' written in the 16th century for Dutch independence.

“anthem” in cultural significance

  • National anthems often reflect a country's history, values, and pride, like 'The Star-Spangled Banner' for the USA.
  • Many sports teams have their own anthems that fans sing to rally support and create a sense of unity.
  • In some cultures, anthems are performed to honor important historical figures or events during national celebrations.

“anthem” in literature and music

  • Anthems often feature powerful lyrics that evoke strong emotions, making them memorable and meaningful.
  • Some famous anthems, like 'We Shall Overcome,' have become symbols for social movements and change.
  • Lyricists and composers work together to create anthems that are easy to sing and resonate with their audience.

“anthem” in global variations

  • While many countries have official national anthems, some may also have regional or cultural anthems that celebrate local identity.
  • Different countries often have unique styles of music for their anthems, from classical to contemporary genres.
  • Some anthems, like 'Ode to Joy' from Beethoven, have been used in various contexts beyond national pride, including in parades and ceremonies.

“anthem” in psychology of music

  • Singing anthems together in groups can strengthen feelings of solidarity and belonging among people.
  • Research shows that music, including anthems, can influence emotions positively, enhancing patriotism and community spirit.
  • Hearing an anthem can trigger memories and emotions tied to national or team events, making it a powerful tool for connection.

Origin of 'anthem'

The term 'anthem' originated from the Greek word 'antiphōna,' which means 'a sounding against.' It was initially used in religious contexts to refer to a hymn sung alternately by two choirs. Over time, the meaning of 'anthem' expanded to include national songs and other forms of musical compositions that evoke a sense of unity and pride. Anthems have played a significant role in cultural and political events, symbolizing the values and identity of a community or nation.

Rhymes

Anthem rhymes with grantham and trantham.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,258, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.