antiphonal
|an-ti-pho-nal|
/ænˈtɪfənəl/
responsive singing / alternating voices
Etymology
'antiphonal' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antiphōnos' (ἀντίφωνος), where 'anti-' meant 'opposite, in return' and 'phōnē' meant 'voice, sound'.
'antiphonal' passed into Late Latin as 'antiphonalis' (relating to antiphons) and Medieval Latin/Old French ecclesiastical usage, then entered Middle English as 'antiphonal' referring to books or singing in alternation.
Initially it referred specifically to 'responsive or answering singing' (antiphony); over time it also came to denote 'a book of antiphons' and adjectivally anything 'relating to antiphony'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a piece of music or a choir-book intended for antiphonal singing; also a chant sung antiphonally.
The museum displayed a 15th-century antiphonal containing Gregorian chants.
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Adjective 1
relating to or performed in alternation or responsive singing between two groups (antiphony); arranged for call-and-response.
The cathedral choir sang antiphonal psalms, the two choirs answering each other.
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Last updated: 2025/09/06 21:54