cantillate

[kan-tl-eyt]

verb (used with object)

cantillated, cantillating 

1. to chant; intone.

cantillate

/ ˈkæntɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to chant (passages of the Hebrew Scriptures) according to the traditional Jewish melody

2. to intone or chant

Other Word Forms

• cantillation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantillate¹

1860–65; < Late Latin cantillātus sung low, hummed (past participle of cantillāre ), equivalent to cant- sing ( cant ¹ ) + -ill- diminutive suffix + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantillate¹

C19: from Late Latin cantillāre to sing softly, from Latin cantāre to sing

Example Sentences

Despite the vast altars on which networks make gruesome sacrifices while cantillating to their gods, neither of these shows will last forever.

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Standing in a tight circle the entire playing, coaching and support staff cantillate the words as if coming from the depths of their soul, a paean to their forebears.

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A lady of pleasing appearance, attired in a mollified Pierrot costume, stood before some Japanese screens and began to intone—to cantillate, would be a better expression.

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Then came another period of dance and song; and then, having cantillated a pule hoonoa, to lift the tabu, the kumu went forth to his own ceremonial cleansing bath in the sea.

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Now and then she would add her own low tones to our untrained vocalizing, crooning or cantillating the tune as if she were musing aloud.

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Related Words

• belt out 
• chant 
• croon 
• hum 
• intone 
• serenade 
• shout 
• wait 
• warble 
• whistle