Definition

Noun: A song that is officially adopted by a nation as a symbolic patriotic composition. It is typically performed or played on public and state occasions to represent national identity, unity, and pride.

Usage

The term "national anthem" is used to refer to the specific, official song of a country. It is a proper noun when referring to a specific anthem (e.g., "The Star-Spangled Banner"), but "national anthem" itself is a common noun.

Examples

• Before the international football match, the players stood respectfully for the playing of both national anthems.
• The school assembly begins every Monday with the singing of the national anthem.
• It is customary for citizens to stand when their national anthem is being performed.

Advanced Usage

• "to adopt a national anthem": The formal process by which a country chooses and legally recognizes a song as its official anthem.
  • The country adopted its current national anthem in the 19th century.
• "to perform/play/sing the national anthem": Common verbs used to describe the act of presenting the anthem.
  • A famous singer was invited to perform the national anthem at the championship game.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthem (n): A rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause. While a national anthem is a type of anthem, "anthem" can be more general (e.g., a , a ).
• Patriotic song (n): A song that expresses love for and pride in one's country. Not all patriotic songs are official national anthems.

Synonyms

• State anthem
• National hymn

Related Phrases

• "to rise for the national anthem": To stand up as a sign of respect when the anthem is played.
  • The audience was asked to rise for the national anthem.

Noun

1. a song formally adopted as the anthem for a nation