incantation

/ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)

incantation — noun

  • incantationsingular
  • incantationsplural

1. a set of words said or sung in magic, or the ritual performance of those words t

1.名詞C2
釋義

a set of words said or sung in magic, or the ritual performance of those words to bring about a supernatural result.

例句

By moonlight, Marta whispered the incantation over the cracked silver ring.

whisper + the incantation over + object

The old healer repeated an incantation to calm the storm at sea.

repeat an incantation to + magical aim

同義詞
  • spell

    broader; can mean the magic itself or the effect, not only the spoken words

  • chant

    emphasizes repeated rhythm or melody and is not always magical

  • invocation

    more formal; often calls on a god or spirit rather than naming the magical words themselves

文法句型

recite an incantation

repeat an incantation

incantation over + object

用法筆記

Common with verbs such as recite, whisper, repeat, and sing. Distinguish from 'spell': an incantation is usually the spoken wording itself, while a spell can also mean the magical effect or state that follows.

常見錯誤

❌The child used an incantation to ask his father for more cake.
✅The child begged his father for more cake.
💡'Incantation' is for magical or ritual words, not ordinary requests.
❌She read a poem in an incantation at the school concert.
✅She read a poem in a chant-like voice at the school concert.
💡'Incantation' names magical words, not any dramatic style of speaking.