responsory
|re-spon-so-ry|
🇺🇸
/rɪˈspɑːnsəri/
🇬🇧
/rɪˈspɒnsəri/
liturgical sung response
Etymology
'responsory' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'responsorium', from Latin 'respondere' meaning 'to answer' (re- 'back' + -spondere 'to pledge/answer').
'responsory' passed into English via ecclesiastical Latin/Old French usage; Late Latin 'responsorium' was used in church contexts and entered Middle English with the same liturgical sense, becoming modern English 'responsory'.
Initially it referred generally to a 'thing that answers' or a 'reply'; over time it narrowed to denote the specific liturgical sung response used in Christian worship.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a liturgical chant or sung response in Christian services, typically a short biblical or liturgical reply sung by the choir or congregation after a reading.
The choir performed the responsory after the reading from the Gospel.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of a response, especially in liturgical or musical contexts (often as 'responsorial').
They used a responsory form of singing during the service.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/14 02:37