Etymology Map
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Anthem

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a rousing song identified with a group or nation

Where does the word "anthem" come from? It comes from Greek antiphōna, passing through Old English before entering English (1700s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
antiphōna
Greek · ancient
"responsive song"
'anti', against, plus 'phōnē', voice: sung responsively
2
Stage 2 of 3
antefn
Old English · medieval
"antiphon"
a church chant sung by two choirs alternately
3
Stage 3 of 3
anthem
English · 1700s
"a song of loyalty"
'national anthem' dates from the 1700s, after 'God Save the King'
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Read the full story

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.