alleluia

A choir sings an alleluia in the church.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A song of praise to God: "alleluia" refers to a liturgical exclamation or hymn expressing joy and adoration, primarily used in Christian worship.
   • A shout of joy: In broader usage, "alleluia" can denote any exuberant expression of praise or relief.

2. Interjection:

   • An exclamation of praise: "alleluia" is used as an interjection to express joy, gratitude, or triumph, especially in religious contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The choir sang a beautiful alleluia during the Easter service. (A hymn of praise to God.)
  • Her shout of "alleluia" echoed through the hall after the good news. (An exclamation of joy.)

• Interjection:

  • Alleluia! The harvest has been bountiful this year. (An expression of gratitude and praise.)
  • When the final exam was over, he whispered, "Alleluia." (A personal exclamation of relief.)

Advanced Usage

• "The Great Alleluia": In liturgical tradition, this refers to the solemn singing of "alleluia" during the Easter Vigil, marking the end of Lenten silence.

  • The congregation stood for the Great Alleluia, celebrating the resurrection. (A specific liturgical moment.)

• "Alleluia verse": A biblical verse sung before the Gospel reading in many Christian liturgies, often beginning or ending with "alleluia."

  • The priest intoned the alleluia verse, and the people responded with joy. (A scriptural passage set to music.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hallelujah (n/interj): an alternative spelling of "alleluia," more common in English Protestant traditions.

  • The choir sang "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah. (A famous choral work using this variant.)

• Alleluiaic (adj): relating to or resembling an alleluia.

  • The alleluiaic melody lifted the spirits of the worshippers. (Having the character of an alleluia.)

Synonyms

• Praise: an expression of approval or admiration.
• Gloria: a hymn of praise, especially in Christian liturgy.
• Hosanna: an exclamation of adoration, often used in Palm Sunday contexts.

Related Idioms

• Shout alleluia: to express great joy or relief.

  • When the lost child was found, the parents shouted alleluia. (They expressed overwhelming joy.)

• Sing alleluia: to praise or celebrate something enthusiastically.

  • The team sang alleluia after winning the championship. (They celebrated triumphantly.)