antiphon Definition
- 1a short sentence or verse sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle
- 2a piece of music sung or played in response to another part or voice
Using antiphon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antiphon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The choir sang the antiphon before the psalm.
Example
The antiphon was a beautiful piece of music that complemented the rest of the performance.
Example
The antiphonal singing between the two choirs created a beautiful harmony.
antiphon Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with antiphon
a series of antiphons used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent in various liturgical Christian traditions
Example
The Great O Antiphons are still used in many churches during the Advent season.
a style of singing in which two or more groups of voices or instruments alternate with one another
Example
The antiphonal singing between the two choirs created a beautiful harmony.
a book containing the words and music of the antiphons for the liturgical year
Example
The antiphonary was an important resource for the choir during the service.
Origins of antiphon
from Late Latin 'antiphona', from Greek 'antiphōna', meaning 'sounding against'
Summary: antiphon in Brief
'Antiphon' [ˈæntɪfən] refers to a short sentence or verse sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle, or a piece of music sung or played in response to another part or voice. It is often used in religious contexts, such as the Great O Antiphons, a series of antiphons used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent. 'Antiphon' can also denote antiphonal singing, a style of singing in which two or more groups of voices or instruments alternate with one another.
