hymn - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hymn Word Meanings
- a religious song or poem of praise
- a song of joy or celebration
- a formal song sung in worship.
hymn Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hymn Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/hɪm/
US
/hɪm/
hymn Word Etymology
Root: hymn (from 'hymnos', meaning singing praise). Historical origin: Greek → Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: visualize a crowd in a church, joyfully singing together in harmony, lifting their voices in reverence.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
An English word with religious resonance, hymn refers to songs of praise or devotion used in worship. It can describe a religious poem or a longer, sung composition, and it sometimes appears in secular contexts to convey a solemn or ceremonial mood. The word has historical depth: from Greek hymnos through Latin and Old French into English, reflecting communities gathering to sing together. For learners, notice that hymns are typically sung by a group rather than spoken; they are often part of a service in a church, chapel, or cathedral, and they contrast with more modern, standalone songs or secular anthems. The concept blends poetry, music, and ritual.
Usage Reminders
- - Hymn is a noun, not a verb here.
- - Use the plural hymns for more than one song.
- - A hymn can be identified by its title.
- - Not every worship song is a hymn; some are psalms or worship songs.
- - Hymns are typically sung by a congregation or choir during a service.
Common Misconceptions
- Hymn equals psalm; they are the same kind of religious text, but a hymn is a song, while a psalm is a biblical text.
- Hymn is only for church history; modern churches still write and sing new hymns.
- All religious songs are hymns; some are worship songs or spirituals that function differently.
- Hymn always sounds old-fashioned; many contemporary hymns blend traditional poetry with modern music.
- Hymn cannot refer to a single song by title; it always refers to the collection or form.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Hymn is a religious song; learners may confuse it with psalm or worship song; note its formal/collective usage and common collocations like hymn book and hymnal.
Learning Tips
- Listen for the group singing rather than a solo performance.
- Notice collocations like hymn book, hymnal, hymn tune.
- Compare hymn with a psalm to see the difference between text and song.
- Learn modern hymns to see how tradition blends with new music.
- Use hymns in worship-related contexts to practice accuracy.
- Check titles to identify a specific hymn.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'hymn'?
A.A song of praise
B.A type of bird
C.A type of food
D.A type of dance
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'hymn' used correctly?
A.The choir sang a beautiful hymn.
B.He danced to the hymn music.
C.She ate a hymn for lunch.
D.I saw a hymn perched on the tree.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'hymn'?
A.Chair
B.Table
C.Car
D.Poem
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'hymn'?
A.Celebrate
B.Noise
C.Silence
D.Clap
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use the word 'hymn' in a real-life context?
A.I played a hymn in the park.
B.I rode a hymn to work today.
C.I cooked a hymn for dinner last night.
D.I listened to a hymn during church service.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App