amen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Religious, Idiomatic (in secular use, often informal)
Quick answer
What does “amen” mean?
A word used at the end of a prayer or religious statement to express solemn agreement, affirmation, or acceptance (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word used at the end of a prayer or religious statement to express solemn agreement, affirmation, or acceptance (e.g., 'so be it').
In modern secular use, expresses strong agreement, affirmation, or hope for a desired outcome, sometimes humorously or ironically (e.g., 'Amen to that!').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core religious usage. The secular, emphatic idiom 'Amen to that!' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys deep affirmation or solemn hope. In secular use, it can carry a slightly emphatic, sometimes jocular, tone.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in religious contexts. The idiomatic 'Amen to that!' is common in spoken, informal language in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “amen” in a Sentence
[Subject] said amen.Amen to [Noun Phrase]!Let us say amen.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The congregation will amen the prayer.
- (rare, but possible) They amened heartily.
American English
- The pastor asked us to amen his words.
- (rare) She simply amened and moved on.
adjective
British English
- He gave an amen corner response.
- The amen cadence concluded the hymn.
American English
- She was his amen chorus, always agreeing.
- The speech got an amen reaction from the crowd.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in rare idiomatic expressions like 'Amen to that proposal!' in a meeting.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or historical contexts discussing liturgy or sacred texts.
Everyday
Used as an interjection of strong agreement ('Amen! That's exactly what I think.') or in set phrases.
Technical
No technical usage outside of music (e.g., the 'Amen break' in drumming) or liturgical studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amen”
- Misspelling as 'amin' or 'amun'.
- Using it as a standard synonym for 'yes' in formal writing.
- Mispronouncing the first syllable with a short 'a' (like in 'cat').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While it originates from and is central to Hebrew, Jewish, and Christian liturgy, its use as a word for solemn affirmation has been adopted in Islamic prayers and other contexts.
Yes, but it's rare and informal. It means to express agreement with or endorse something, often by literally saying 'amen' (e.g., 'The crowd amened the speaker's passionate plea').
It's a brief drum solo from the 1969 song 'Amen, Brother,' which became one of the most sampled rhythms in history, foundational to hip-hop, drum and bass, and other electronic music genres.
In British English, both /ɑːˈmen/ (ah-MEN) and /eɪˈmen/ (ay-MEN) are accepted. In American English, /eɪˈmen/ (ay-MEN) is more common, though /ɑˈmen/ (ah-MEN) is also heard, especially in religious settings.
A word used at the end of a prayer or religious statement to express solemn agreement, affirmation, or acceptance (e.
Amen is usually formal, religious, idiomatic (in secular use, often informal) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Amen to that!”
- “say amen to something (agree with)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'A-MEN' as 'A-MEND' without the 'd' – when we say it, we affirm and want things to be mended or set right.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS A SACRED AFFIRMATION (e.g., treating a strong 'yes' as a concluding prayer).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern, secular conversation, what does 'Amen to that!' primarily express?