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Hymn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hymn

[hɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious music

A hymn is a religious song or poem, typically of praise to God or a god. Hymns are often sung in church services as a form of worship.

Synonyms

anthem, praise song, religious song.

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Word Description / Examples
hymn

Often used in religious or spiritual settings, hymns are traditional songs of praise or worship typically sung in churches.

  • The congregation sang a beautiful hymn during the Sunday service
  • Many hymns have been passed down through generations
religious song

A broader term that encompasses any song with religious content, including hymns, chants, and modern worship songs.

  • During the festival, they performed various religious songs from different cultures
  • Religious songs can be found across different faith traditions
praise song

Usually associated with modern Christian worship services, praise songs are contemporary musical pieces focusing on expressing praise and gratitude to a divine being.

  • The youth group sang a lively praise song to start the evening service
  • Many praise songs have simple, repetitive lyrics to encourage participation
anthem

Anthems can refer to both national songs that represent a country and songs that unite a group of people around a shared purpose or identity, not necessarily religious.

  • The national anthem was played before the start of the football match
  • That song has become an anthem for freedom fighters worldwide

Examples of usage

  • The congregation sang a beautiful hymn during the Sunday service.
  • Our favorite hymn to sing is 'Amazing Grace.'
Context #2 | Noun

national anthem

A hymn can also refer to a national anthem, which is a patriotic song or music that represents a country.

Synonyms

national anthem, national song, patriotic song.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hymn

A hymn is a religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity, often sung in churches or during religious ceremonies.

  • The congregation sang a beautiful hymn during the Sunday service.
  • He wrote a hymn to express his deep faith.
national anthem

The national anthem is a formal song of praise or patriotism, representing a country's identity and often sung at official events or sports games.

  • Everyone stood up to sing the national anthem before the football match.
  • The national anthem is played at the beginning of each school day.
patriotic song

A patriotic song is a song that expresses love for and devotion to one's country. Such songs are often played or sung during national holidays, celebrations, and events that inspire national pride.

  • During the parade, the band played several patriotic songs.
  • The stirring patriotic song brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.
national song

A national song is a song that expresses the national identity or pride of a country. It can be less formal than a national anthem and is used in various patriotic contexts.

  • The festival ended with a national song that everyone sang together.
  • They decided to play a popular national song to boost spirits.

Examples of usage

  • The national anthem played before the start of the sporting event.
  • It is important to stand and show respect during the singing of the hymn.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Hymns have played a critical role in Christian worship, often reflecting theological beliefs and community values.
  • Many cultures across the world have their own traditions of hymns, showcasing their unique respect for deities or nature.
  • Modern music genres, such as gospel and contemporary Christian music, often draw inspiration from traditional hymn structures.

Psychology

  • Singing hymns can promote feelings of unity and belonging among congregations, enhancing social bonds.
  • Research suggests that participating in group singing, including hymns, can reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
  • The repetitive nature of hymns can aid in emotional regulation and provide comfort during difficult times.

Literature

  • Hymns often contain rich poetic language, using metaphors and imagery to convey deep spiritual meanings.
  • Classic English hymns like 'Amazing Grace' serve both as poetry and music, impacting literature and culture profoundly.
  • Many hymns contain narratives that reflect personal or communal journeys of faith and struggle.

Historical Context

  • Hymns have been used in various historical movements, often serving as anthems for social change and justice.
  • During the Protestant Reformation, hymns became a way for congregations to engage directly with the faith in their own languages.
  • Notable hymns have inspired musical compositions and remain pivotal in classical and modern worship settings.

Origin of 'hymn'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hymn' comes from the Greek word 'hymnos,' which means 'a song of praise.'
  • In ancient times, hymns were often dedicated to gods or heroes, celebrating their deeds.
  • The term was adopted into Latin as 'hymnus' before entering Old English.

The word 'hymn' originated from the Greek word 'hymnos', which means a song of praise. Hymns have been a part of religious and cultural traditions for centuries, used to express devotion, gratitude, and patriotism. The practice of singing hymns dates back to ancient civilizations and continues to be a significant aspect of various ceremonies and events.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,779 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.