What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hymn
Example
The choir sang a beautiful hymn during the church service. [hymn: noun]
Example
Let's sing a hymn to honor our heroes on this special day. [hymn: noun]
psalm
Example
The congregation recited a psalm during the prayer service. [psalm: noun]
Example
The poet wrote a psalm of thanksgiving for the blessings in his life. [psalm: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hymns are more commonly used than psalms in Christian traditions and are often sung in church services or religious gatherings. Psalms are less common but still hold a significant place in Jewish and Christian liturgies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hymn and psalm?
Hymns are often written in a more formal or archaic language, making them suitable for formal or traditional settings. Psalms, on the other hand, can be written in a more contemporary or poetic style, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
