What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cantillation
Example
The rabbi's cantillation of the Torah portion was beautiful and filled with emotion. [cantillation: noun]
Example
She studied cantillation to become a skilled reader of religious texts. [cantillation: gerund or present participle]
chanting
Example
The monks began chanting their evening prayers in the monastery. [chanting: verb]
Example
Chanting 'om' helped her find inner peace during meditation. [chanting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chanting is more commonly used than cantillation in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications beyond religious settings. Chanting is often associated with meditation, mindfulness, and personal spiritual practices.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cantillation and chanting?
While cantillation is typically associated with formal religious settings and traditions, chanting can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing for more versatility in its usage.
