How Do You Spell ANTIPHONE?

Pronunciation: [ˌantɪfˈə͡ʊn] (IPA)

Antiphone is a word commonly used in religious ceremonies referring to a responsive chant between two choirs. The word is pronounced /æn.tɪ.fəʊn/ with stress on the second syllable. The spelling includes the prefix ant- meaning "opposite" or "contrary" and the suffix -phone meaning "voice" or "sound." Thus, the word antiphone means "contrary sounding" or "opposite voice." This spelling reflects the origin of the word from antiphon, originating from the Greek word "antiphōnia" meaning "sounding opposite."

ANTIPHONE Meaning and Definition

  1. An antiphone is a type of liturgical chant or musical piece that is traditionally performed in religious ceremonies, particularly in Christian church services. It is characterized by its call-and-response structure, in which two or more groups or individuals alternatively sing or recite different parts or phrases of the piece. The word "antiphone" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning "opposite" or "in response to," and "phone" meaning "voice."

    Antiphones play a significant role in enhancing the solemnity and reverence of religious rituals. They are typically sung or chanted in unison or in harmony, often accompanied by simple musical accompaniment or acapella. The alternating singing creates a musical dialogue that represents the spiritual dialogue between different voices or perspectives.

    In Christian liturgy, antiphones are commonly used in various parts of the Mass, such as the Responsorial Psalm or the Magnificat. They are also featured in the Divine Office, which consists of a series of prayers and psalms recited or chanted at specific times of the day by members of religious communities or clergy.

    The antiphonal structure of these chants encourages a participatory atmosphere and allows the congregation to actively engage in the worship experience. It provides a sense of unity and cohesion among the worshippers, as they respond together with the appropriate phrases or verses.

    Overall, an antiphone is a significant element of sacred music, serving as a dynamic and interactive form of musical expression within religious services, ultimately imbuing the rituals with a sense of spiritual harmony and devotion.

  2. An appliance for occluding the external auditory meatus to dull the perception of disturbing noises.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. The alternate singing of two choirs.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ANTIPHONE

  • zntiphone
  • sntiphone
  • wntiphone
  • qntiphone
  • abtiphone
  • amtiphone
  • ajtiphone
  • ahtiphone
  • anriphone
  • anfiphone
  • angiphone
  • anyiphone
  • an6iphone
  • an5iphone
  • antuphone
  • antjphone
  • antkphone
  • antophone
  • ant9phone

Etymology of ANTIPHONE

The word "Antiphone" has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning "against" or "opposite" and "phone" meaning "voice" or "sound". In Greek, "anti" can also mean "in place of" or "instead of". The term was used in Christian liturgical music to refer to a type of chant that alternated between two groups or choirs, singing in response to one another. Over time, the term "Antiphone" came to represent a particular type of liturgical chant or hymn.

Similar spelling words for ANTIPHONE

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