What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anthem
Example
The national anthem is sung before the start of every sports event. [anthem: noun]
Example
The crowd stood up and sang the anthem together, showing their unity. [anthem: noun]
song
Example
She has a beautiful voice and loves to sing songs from different eras. [songs: noun]
Example
The band played a catchy song that got everyone dancing. [song: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Song is a more commonly used term than anthem in everyday language. Song is versatile and covers a wide range of musical compositions, while anthem is more specific and often used in formal or national contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anthem and song?
While anthem is typically associated with formal and ceremonial occasions, song can be used in both formal and informal settings. Song allows for more flexibility in terms of genre, style, and content, making it suitable for various levels of formality.