'antiphonical' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'antiphonicus', which in turn reflects the Greek elements 'anti-' and 'phōnē' where 'anti-' meant 'opposite/against' and 'phōnē' meant 'voice'.

'antiphonical' developed via Medieval Latin 'antiphonicus' and Old French forms related to 'antiphonique', and entered English through Middle English influences on words like 'antiphon' and 'antiphonal', eventually yielding the adjective form 'antiphonical'.

Initially it meant 'pertaining to an antiphon or alternate singing', and over time it has retained that basic meaning of 'relating to call-and-response or responsive singing'.