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Incantations: meaning, definitions and examples

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incantations

 

[ˌinˌkanˈteɪʃənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

magic spells

Incantations are words or phrases used in magic spells or rituals to invoke supernatural powers or to bring about a desired effect.

Synonyms

conjurations, enchantments, magic spells.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incantations

Often used in the context of rituals, chanting, and spoken or sung phrases believed to have magical power.

  • The witches murmured ancient incantations around the cauldron
magic spells

A more general term that can be used in any situation involving magical words or actions to produce a supernatural effect. It is the most versatile term among the group.

  • She cast a magic spell to protect her home from intruders
conjurations

Typically refers to the act of summoning spirits, creatures, or objects, often associated with ceremonial magic and occult practices.

  • In the eerie silence, the sorcerer performed his conjurations to summon the spirit
enchantments

Used to describe spells that place someone or something under a magical influence or state, often to charm or fascinate.

  • The forest was filled with enchantments that made it seem out of this world

Examples of usage

  • The wizard chanted ancient incantations to summon the spirits.
  • She recited the incantations from the spellbook, hoping to break the curse.
  • His incantations were so powerful that they could control the elements themselves.
Context #2 | Noun

religious rituals

In some religions, incantations are recitations of sacred texts or prayers believed to have protective or healing powers.

Synonyms

chants, invocations, prayers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incantations

Used in the context of magic or witchcraft, usually involving spoken spells or magical phrases.

  • The witch murmured ancient incantations to cast her spell.
  • The book of incantations contained many powerful spells.
prayers

Used in religious or spiritual contexts, often involving a personal or communal address to a deity or higher power.

  • She says her prayers every night before bed.
  • The community gathered for prayers at the local mosque.
invocations

Typically used in formal or ceremonial settings to call upon a deity, spirit, or higher power for assistance or presence.

  • The priest's invocation was meant to bless the gathering.
  • During the ritual, the shaman's invocation called upon the spirits of the ancestors.
chants

Often used in religious ceremonies, protests, or rallies, involving rhythmic and repetitive phrases.

  • The monks' chants filled the temple with a serene atmosphere.
  • The protesters' chants echoed through the city streets.

Examples of usage

  • The priest performed the incantations to ward off evil spirits.
  • The incantations of the shaman were said to bring blessings from the gods.

Translations

Translations of the word "incantations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantamentos

🇮🇳 मंत्र

🇩🇪 Beschwörungen

🇮🇩 mantra

🇺🇦 заклинання

🇵🇱 zaklęcia

🇯🇵 呪文 (じゅもん)

🇫🇷 incantations

🇪🇸 encantamientos

🇹🇷 büyüler

🇰🇷 주문

🇸🇦 تعاويذ

🇨🇿 zaklínadla

🇸🇰 zaklínadlá

🇨🇳 咒语 (zhòuyǔ)

🇸🇮 uroki

🇮🇸 þulur

🇰🇿 сөздер

🇬🇪 წყევლა

🇦🇿 tilsimlər

🇲🇽 encantamientos

Etymology

The word 'incantations' derives from the Latin word 'incantare', meaning 'to enchant' or 'to bewitch'. The use of incantations dates back to ancient civilizations where they were believed to have magical or spiritual powers. Throughout history, incantations have been used in various cultures for different purposes, from invoking deities to casting spells.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,712, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.