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Antiphon: meaning, definitions and examples

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antiphon

 

[ ˈæntɪfən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

chant, refrain, response

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

Etymology

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.