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Where does the word "anthem" come from? It comes from Greek antiphōna, passing through Old English before entering English (1700s).
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Where does the word "anthem" come from? It comes from Greek antiphōna, passing through Old English before entering English (1700s).
Anthem’s story begins in Greek: antiphōna meant “responsive song.” 'anti', against, plus 'phōnē', voice: sung responsively. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old English as antefn. A church chant sung by two choirs alternately. It reached English by 1700s as anthem. 'national anthem' dates from the 1700s, after 'God Save the King'. Today, anthem means a rousing song identified with a group or nation.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient antiphōna "responsive song", 'anti', against, plus 'phōnē', voice: sung responsively.
- Stage 2 · Old English · medieval antefn "antiphon", a church chant sung by two choirs alternately.
- Stage 3 · English · 1700s anthem "a song of loyalty", 'national anthem' dates from the 1700s, after 'God Save the King'.