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cantilena
[ kan-tl-ee-nuh ]
/ ˌkæn tlˈi nə /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a simple, lyric, melodic passage for voice or instrument.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of cantilena
1730–40; <Italian <Latin cantilēna refrain, perhaps by dissimilation from *cantilēla, derivative of cantus song; see cant1
Words nearby cantilena
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use cantilena in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cantilena
cantilena
/ (ˌkæntɪˈleɪnə) /
noun
a smooth flowing style in the writing of vocal music
Word Origin for cantilena
C18: Italian, from Latin cantilēna a song
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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