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Anthem

 - 3 dictionary results

an⋅them

[an-thuhm]
–noun
1. a song, as of praise, devotion, or patriotism: the national anthem of Spain; our college anthem.
2. a piece of sacred vocal music, usually with words taken from the Scriptures.
3. a hymn sung alternately by different sections of a choir or congregation.
–verb (used with object)
4. to celebrate with or in an anthem.

Origin:
bef. 1000; ME antem, OE antemn(e), antefne < LL antefana, antiphōna (fem. sing.) < Gk antíphōna (see antiphon ); sp. with h prob. by assoc. with hymn, with pron. then changed to reflect sp.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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an·them   (ān'thəm)   
n.  
  1. A hymn of praise or loyalty.

  2. A choral composition having a sacred or moralizing text in English.

  3. A modern ballad accompanied by rock music instrumentation.


[Middle English anteme, from Old English antefn, from Late Latin antiphōna, from Late Greek, from neuter pl. of antiphōnos, sounding in answer : anti-, in return; see anti- + phōnē, voice; see bhā-2 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

anthem 
O.E. ontemn, antefn, "a composition (in prose or verse) sung antiphonally," from L.L. antefana, from Gk. antiphona "verse response" (see antiphon). Sense evolved to "a composition set to sacred music" (c.1386), then "song of praise or gladness" (1591). Used in ref. to the English national song (technically a hymn) and extended to those of other nations.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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