Antiphon: meaning, definitions and examples
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antiphon
[ ˈæntɪfən ]
music theology
An antiphon is a short chant in Christian liturgy that is intended to be sung or recited in alternation, particularly during the chanting of psalms or other religious texts. Traditionally, it is sung before and after a psalm or canticle as part of the liturgical practice in various Christian denominations. Antiphons often have a rich musical heritage, varying from simple melodic phrases to complex compositions that enhance the solemnity of the service. They serve both a decorative role and a functional one, often reflecting themes of the day or season within the church calendar.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The antiphon was beautifully performed during the service.
- We sang an antiphon before the reading of the psalm.
- The choir included a lovely antiphon in their repertoire.
Translations
Translations of the word "antiphon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 antífona
🇮🇳 प्रतिध्वनि
🇩🇪 Antiphon
🇮🇩 antifon
🇺🇦 антифон
🇵🇱 antyfona
🇯🇵 アンティフォン
🇫🇷 antiphone
🇪🇸 antífona
🇹🇷 antifon
🇰🇷 안티폰
🇸🇦 ترنيمة مضادة
🇨🇿 antifona
🇸🇰 antifóna
🇨🇳 反唱
🇸🇮 antifona
🇮🇸 antífóna
🇰🇿 антифон
🇬🇪 ანტიფონი
🇦🇿 antifon
🇲🇽 antífona
Word origin
The word 'antiphon' originates from the Greek word 'antiphona', which means 'sounded in response'. In ancient religious practices, antiphons were used as responses to prayers or hymns. It has been a part of Christian liturgical traditions since the early Church, evolving in musical complexity over centuries. In the Western Church, particularly in the Roman Catholic tradition, antiphons became an integral part of the Divine Office, helping to define the structure of daily prayers. The use of antiphons spread throughout Christendom, with variations appearing in Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions as well.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #34,049 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 34046 alphabetized
- 34047 splat
- 34048 misconstrue
- 34049 antiphon
- 34050 blessedly
- 34051 congeal
- 34052 caw
- ...