antiphon

[ an-tuh-fon ]

noun

1. a verse or song to be chanted or sung in response.
2. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a psalm, hymn, or prayer sung in alternate parts.
   2. a verse or a series of verses sung as a prelude or conclusion to some part of the service.

antiphon

/ ˈæntɪfən /

noun

1. a short passage, usually from the Bible, recited or sung as a response after certain parts of a liturgical service
2. a psalm, hymn, etc, chanted or sung in alternate parts
3. any response or answer

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiphon¹

1490–1500; < Medieval Latin antiphōna responsive singing < Greek ( tà ) antíphōna, neuter plural of antíphōnos sounding in answer, equivalent to anti- anti- + phōn ( ḗ ) sound + -os adj. suffix. anthem

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiphon¹

C15: from Late Latin antiphōna sung responses, from Late Greek, plural of antiphōnon (something) responsive, from antiphōnos, from anti- + phōnē sound

Example Sentences

Antiphon hastened home to tell his neighbours of his discovery and to gain assistance.

From Project Gutenberg

The bishops and other ministers of the church advance singing the antiphon, 'Zaccheus, make haste and come down,' etc.

From Project Gutenberg

Here we have a morsel of dramatic criticism on Antiphon the actor and Arbuscula the actress, which reminds one of Pepys.

From Project Gutenberg

You, Antiphon, would seem to suggest that happiness consists of luxury and extravagance; I hold a different creed.

From Project Gutenberg

Antiphon approaches Socrates in hope of drawing away his associates, and in their presence thus accosts him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• comment
• explanation
• feedback
• interpretation
• justification
• key
• observation
• rebuttal
• remark
• report
• resolution
• response
• result
• return
• sign
• solution
• statement