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Chants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽถ
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chants

[tสƒรฆnts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious ceremony

A repeated rhythmic phrase or a simple melody that is used in religious ceremonies or rituals. Chants are often sung in unison by a group of people and can have a calming or meditative effect.

Synonyms

incantation, mantra, recitation.

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Word Description / Examples
chants

Used in religious or ceremonial contexts where repeated rhythmic speaking or singing is involved.

  • The monks began their evening chants as the sun set.
  • Fans at the football stadium created a powerful atmosphere with their chants.
recitation

Refers to the act of reading or repeating something from memory, often publicly and formally, such as poetry or religious texts.

  • The studentโ€™s recitation of the poem was flawless.
  • The priest's recitation of the sacred text was deeply moving.
incantation

Often associated with magical or mysterious rituals, suggesting the use of spoken words to invoke supernatural effects.

  • The wizard muttered an ancient incantation to summon the spirits.
  • She read the incantation aloud, hoping it would bring her good luck.
mantra

Used primarily in meditation or spiritual practices, often involving repeated phrases to aid concentration and mindfulness.

  • He repeated his daily mantra to feel more focused and calm.
  • The guru taught her followers a new mantra to meditate on.

Examples of usage

  • The monks began their morning chants in the monastery.
  • The football fans started chanting the team's anthem during the match.
  • The yoga class ended with a soothing chant to relax the participants.
Context #2 | Verb

repetitive vocalization

To repeat or sing a phrase or a song in a rhythmic and melodious manner. Chanting can be a form of expression, meditation, or protest, depending on the context in which it is used.

Synonyms

intonate, recite, sing.

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Word Description / Examples
chants

Chants are often used in religious, spiritual, or protest settings where repetitive phrases are spoken or sung rhythmically to create a meditative or unifying effect.

  • The monks' chants filled the temple with a serene atmosphere.
  • The crowd's chants for justice grew louder with each passing minute.
sing

Singing involves producing musical sounds with the voice, typically with varying pitches and tones. This is used in musical contexts, performances, and casual settings for enjoyment.

  • She loves to sing along to her favorite songs in the shower.
  • The choir will sing at the concert this evening.
recite

Reciting involves reading or speaking something from memory, typically in a formal or educational setting. It can be used for poetry, literature, or important texts.

  • She recited the poem flawlessly in front of the class.
  • The students were asked to recite the Preamble to the Constitution.

Examples of usage

  • The protesters chanted slogans demanding justice.
  • She chanted a traditional folk song at the cultural event.
  • The children chanted the alphabet together in class.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Chants have been around for thousands of years, often used in religious ceremonies across many cultures.
  • The term 'chant' comes from the Latin word 'cantus', which means 'song', highlighting its musical roots.
  • In medieval Europe, chants were integral to church services, particularly the Gregorian chant, named after Pope Gregory I.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures use chants in celebrations, such as the African 'Call and Response' style, where one person leads and the group follows.
  • In modern sports, fans often create chants to support their teams, creating a sense of community and energy in the stadium.
  • Native American cultures incorporate chants in rituals to connect with ancestors and the spirit world.

Psychology

  • Chanting can induce a trance-like state, helping people achieve focus and calm, which is used in meditation practices.
  • Studies show that chanting can release endorphins, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being.
  • Repetition in chanting helps reinforce memory retention, making it a useful tool in learning and education.

Modern Applications

  • In contemporary music, artists often blend chanting into their songs, using repetitive phrases for catchy hooks.
  • Chanting has gained popularity in yoga practices, where it is used to enhance mindfulness and concentration.
  • Political movements use chants to rally support and unify participants during protests, demonstrating the power of collective voice.

Literature

  • Chanting appears in various literary works, often symbolizing community, tradition, or cultural identity.
  • In ancient texts, such as 'The Iliad', characters often engage in chants that echo their thoughts and emotions.
  • Modern poetry sometimes employs chanting techniques to create rhythm and intensity, drawing readers in.

Origin of 'chants'

The word 'chants' originated from the Old French word 'chanter', meaning 'to sing'. Chants have been an integral part of various cultures and religions throughout history, used in ceremonies, rituals, and as a form of expression. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of chants has a profound effect on the mind and spirit, promoting unity and focus among participants.

See also: chant, chanted, chanter, chanting, enchant.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,231, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.