litany
litany
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "litany" is /ˈlɪtəni/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
First syllable: /lɪt/
/l/: alveolar lateral approximant
/ɪ/: near-close front unrounded vowel
/t/: voiceless alveolar plosive
Second syllable: /ə/
/ə/: mid-central vowel
Third syllable: /ni/
/n/: alveolar nasal
/i/: close front unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
The word "litany" doesn't have plural or singular forms. It's a singular noun that refers to a series of prayers, complaints, or other similar items.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Litany (Noun)
Definition: A series of prayers, complaints, or other similar items.
Synonyms: catalogue, recital, list, enumeration
Antonyms: brevity, conciseness
Example: The priest recited a long litany of sins.
Litany (Verb)
Definition: To recite a litany.
Synonyms: enumerate, catalogue, recite, list
Antonyms: abbreviate, condense, curtail
Example: She litanized her grievances for hours.
Examples of Use
Religious Texts and Practices
Bible: "And they continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with a great company of priests, and with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers" (Acts 1:14). This verse, while not directly using the word "litany," describes a communal prayer practice that aligns with the concept of a litany.
Catholic Mass: The Catholic Mass often includes litanies, such as the Litany of the Saints, where a series of invocations and responses are recited.
Literature
"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens: Dickens often uses vivid descriptions and lists, which can be seen as a form of litany. For example, the opening line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," sets the tone for the novel through a contrasting litany.
Poetry: Many poets employ litanies to create a sense of rhythm, emphasis, or to build a powerful image. For instance, T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" is filled with fragmented and repetitive phrases that can be seen as a modern form of litany.
News and Journalism
Newspaper articles: Journalists often use litanies to list facts, statistics, or arguments. For example, a news article about climate change might list a litany of extreme weather events.
Online news: Online articles and blog posts frequently use litanies to emphasize points or to create a sense of urgency. For instance, a blog post about the dangers of social media addiction might list a litany of negative consequences.
Everyday Speech
Complaints: People often use litanies to express frustration or disappointment. For example, "I'm so tired of this constant litany of complaints."
Presentations: Public speakers often use litanies to highlight key points or to build momentum in a speech.
Entertainment
Movies and TV shows: Litanies can be used to create dramatic effect, humor, or to establish a character's personality. For example, in the movie "Fight Club," the Narrator often recites long, monotonous litanies about consumer culture.
Music: Songs can incorporate litanies in their lyrics, especially in genres like hip-hop and spoken word poetry. For instance, many rap songs use repetitive phrases and lists to create a hypnotic effect.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Litany
"The litany of excuses is long, but the courage to begin is short." — Anonymous
"We recite a litany of fears to avoid facing our dreams." — Anonymous
"Every day offers a litany of choices—some small, some great." — Anonymous
"A litany of complaints never built a kingdom." — Anonymous
"There is a litany of voices in the mind, but only one that speaks the truth." — Anonymous
"In the litany of memories, some echo louder than others." — Anonymous
"The litany of human experience is written in tears and laughter." — Anonymous
"Even the longest litany of sorrows ends with hope." — Anonymous
"The litany of the past shapes the hymns of the future." — Anonymous
"Life’s journey is a litany of lessons learned and love discovered." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "litany" has a long history that goes back to ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "litaneia," which meant "prayer" or "supplication." This Greek word was then adopted into Latin as "litania," and from there, it made its way into Old French as "letanie." Eventually, it was borrowed into English around the 13th century.
Originally, a litany was a specific type of prayer in Christian churches. It involved a call-and-response format, where a leader would say a phrase, and the congregation would respond with a set answer. This type of prayer was often used to ask for forgiveness, protection, or other divine favors.
Over time, the meaning of "litany" broadened to refer to any series of things, especially if they are repeated or monotonous. For example, you might hear someone say, "The politician gave a long litany of promises," meaning they listed a lot of things they would do if elected.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Litany
While "litany" isn't typically used in fixed phrases or idioms, we can explore some common ways it's used in figurative language:
A litany of complaints/excuses/problems: This is a common phrase used to describe a long list of complaints, excuses, or problems.
To recite a litany: This means to list a series of things, often in a monotonous or repetitive way.
A litany of woes: This is a more poetic way to describe a long list of troubles or misfortunes.
While there aren't specific idioms using "litany," its meaning is often used to create vivid imagery and emphasize a long list of something.
Posts Related to Litany
Source Information
Definition of litany from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
