anthem
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a formal song that represents a country or a large group.
n.a song of praise or devotion, most commonly representing a nation or a specific institution.
Simple“The crowd stood in silence as the national anthem began to play.”
In context“Before the international match commenced, both teams stood respectfully for the playing of their respective national anthems.”
UsageOften used in the compound 'national anthem'.
Synonymshymnsong of praise - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a very popular song that a lot of people love and sing along to.
n.a popular song that identifies or symbolises a particular group, generation, or subculture.
Simple“That dance track became the anthem of the summer for everyone at the beach.”
In context“The band's debut single quickly evolved into a generational anthem, capturing the frustrations of young people living in the city.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is common in music journalism and casual conversation to describe a song that 'everyone knows'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a piece of music sung by a church choir.
n.a choral composition with English words, usually based on biblical texts, performed during a church service.
Simple“The cathedral choir sang a beautiful anthem during the Sunday morning service.”
In context“The composer was commissioned to write a new choral anthem for the royal wedding ceremony.”
UsageIn this technical sense, it refers specifically to Anglican or Protestant liturgical music.
Synonymschoral workmotet - 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to praise or celebrate something by singing about it.
v.to celebrate, praise, or honour through the performance of anthems.
Simple“The poets would anthem the king's victories in their verses.”
In context“The ancient texts describe how the citizens would anthem their heroes upon their return from the frontier.”
UsageThis verb form is rare in modern prose and is almost exclusively found in poetry or historical literature.
“You’re the Voice by John Farnham – because it’s a bit of a tour bus anthem after a show and a couple of gins.”
From Middle English anteme, from Old English antefn, antefen and Old French antiene, anteine, anteivne, from Latin antiphōna, from Ancient Greek ἀντίφωνα (antíphōna), from ἀντί (antí, “over against”) + φωνή (phōnḗ, “voice, sound”). Doublet of antiphon.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.