Definition

1. Verb:
   • To chant or recite a text, especially a religious or liturgical one, in a musical, rhythmic, and often solemn manner, with melodic intonation.

Usage

• The verb "cantillate" is used to describe the specific act of intoning sacred texts, such as prayers, psalms, or scriptures, according to traditional melodic patterns. It implies a formal, ritualistic, or musical style of recitation distinct from ordinary speech or reading.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The cantor will cantillate the verses from the Torah during the service.
  • He learned to cantillate the ancient hymns with precise melodic contours.

Advanced Usage

• "to cantillate a passage": to recite a specific section of text with prescribed musical tones.
  • The scholar could cantillate the passage from the scripture from memory.

Variants and Related Words

• Cantillation (n): The act or art of cantillating; the system of musical notation or melody used for chanting sacred texts.
  • The study of biblical cantillation is complex.

Synonyms

• Chant: To sing or intone in a simple, repetitive melody.
• Intone: To recite in a singing voice, especially in monotone.
• Recite: To repeat aloud from memory, but without the specific musical connotation of "cantillate."

Notes on Meaning

• "Cantillate" is a specialized term most commonly associated with the liturgical traditions of religions such as Judaism (e.g., chanting the Torah or Hafatarah) and certain branches of Christianity and Islam. It is not typically used for secular singing or casual recitation.

Verb

1. recite with musical intonation; recite as a chant or a psalm
   • The rabbi chanted a prayer