Litany: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
litany
[ หlษชtษni ]
religious context
A litany is a form of prayer used in Christian worship, consisting of a series of invocations or supplications followed by responses. It often includes a repetitive element, involving the congregation responding to a leader's prompts with specific phrases, such as 'Lord, have mercy.' This practice is used to enhance communal worship and express collective needs or praises.
Synonyms
invocation, prayer, supplication.
Examples of usage
- The congregation recited the litany during the morning service.
- A beautiful litany of praise was sung by the choir.
- He led the litany for peace at the community gathering.
figurative context
In a broader sense, a litany can refer to any repetitive series of items, especially in a context of complaints or grievances. It suggests a long, tiresome list of issues or problems that someone may repeatedly mention.
Synonyms
catalog, list, repetition.
Examples of usage
- Her litany of complaints was exhausting to hear.
- The report included a litany of challenges faced by the organization.
- He presented a litany of reasons why the project failed.
Translations
Translations of the word "litany" in other languages:
๐ต๐น litania
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคฟเคเคจเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Litanei
๐ฎ๐ฉ litani
๐บ๐ฆ ะปััะฐะฝัั
๐ต๐ฑ litania
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใฟใใผ
๐ซ๐ท litanie
๐ช๐ธ letanรญa
๐น๐ท litaniler
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฆฌํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฑุชุจุฉ ุงูุตูุงุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ litanie
๐ธ๐ฐ litanie
๐จ๐ณ ่ฟ็ฅท
๐ธ๐ฎ litanija
๐ฎ๐ธ litanรญa
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะปะธัะฐะฝะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ litaniya
๐ฒ๐ฝ letanรญa
Etymology
The word 'litany' originates from the Middle English term 'litanye', derived from Old French 'litanaie', which in turn comes from the Latin 'litanea'. The Latin term 'litanea' is believed to have roots in the Greek word 'litaneia', meaning 'supplication'. This etymological journey reflects the word's connection to prayer and supplication in religious contexts. Historically, litanies have been a part of Christian worship since the early church, serving as a means for communities to express their faith collectively. The use of litanies may also be seen in various cultures and religions, with the concept of repetitive prayers or chants manifesting in diverse spiritual practices across the world.