anthem

/ˈænθəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈænθəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈan(t)-thəm/ (ame, mw)

anthem — noun

  • anthemsingular
  • anthemsplural

1. a formal song that a country, school, team, or other group uses to show shared p

1.名詞B2
釋義

a formal song that a country, school, team, or other group uses to show shared pride and identity, especially at public events

例句

The crowd stood in silence while the national anthem filled the stadium.

collocation: national anthem

Haruto practised the school anthem before the graduation ceremony on Friday.

collocation: school anthem

同義詞
  • march

    a march is defined by its steady walking beat, while an anthem is defined by symbolic importance to a group

  • theme song

    a theme song is linked to a show, campaign, or person, not usually to an official public ceremony

用法筆記

This sense often appears with words naming the group that uses the song, such as national, school, club, or team. It can also describe a song strongly linked to a movement or public event.

常見錯誤

We played the anthem music before the match.
We played the anthem before the match.
💡'Anthem' already means a song, so adding 'music' is usually unnecessary.

2. a short church song written for a choir, often performed during a service with o

2.名詞C1
釋義

a short church song written for a choir, often performed during a service with organ accompaniment

例句

Élise rehearsed the Easter anthem with the choir before evening prayer.

church choir anthem

The organist began the anthem as the candles were lit at the altar.

同義詞
  • hymn

    a hymn is usually simpler and sung by the whole congregation, while an anthem is more choir-centered

  • motet

    motet is a more technical term for a classical choral piece, often with older or Latin texts

文法句型

anthem by + composer

用法筆記

This sense belongs to church music and usually refers to a piece performed by a choir, not by the whole congregation. A hymn is simpler and meant for everyone to sing, while an anthem is more often a choral performance piece.

常見錯誤

The congregation sang the anthem from the pews.
The congregation sang the hymn from the pews, while the choir performed the anthem.
💡In church use, an anthem is usually a choir piece rather than a congregational song.