Home › Glossary › Letter R

religious chant

Sound
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A rhythmic, repeated vocal expression used in religious or spiritual settings.

Detailed Definition
A religious chant is a devotional poem structured for liturgical or ritual recitation, often featuring repetition, simple diction, and hypnotic rhythm to induce meditative or ecstatic states; drawing from psalms, mantras, or hymns, it prioritizes communal participation and spiritual resonance over individual expression.
Example
Example in poetry:
A poem structured to be sung or recited in a repetitive, communal manner as part of a religious rite; Verse that employs simple, declarative language and a strong, unwavering rhythm for hypnotic or meditative effect; A lyrical form used for collective prayer or worship; A form (like a litany or hymn) designed for processional or devotional use
Additional Notes
A rhythmic, often formulaic, series of lines intended to be sung or recited in a formal religious context, characterized by repetition and a strong, meditative rhythm; includes hymns, psalms, and litanies.
Also Known As
Sacred chant liturgical chant devotional hymn biblical song Canticle
Skip to main content