anthem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “anthem” mean?
A formal or rousing song, typically of praise, loyalty, or celebration, often officially adopted by a nation, institution, or group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal or rousing song, typically of praise, loyalty, or celebration, often officially adopted by a nation, institution, or group.
Any song or piece of music that powerfully expresses a particular set of ideals, a collective identity, or serves as a defining symbol for a group or movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British usage commonly links 'anthem' to 'national anthem'. The term 'football anthem' is frequent for songs sung at matches. In the US, 'anthem' is more broadly applied to powerful, identity-defining songs in various genres (rock anthem, LGBTQ+ anthem).
Connotations
UK: Strong connotation of tradition, ceremony, and collective public singing (e.g., at sporting events). US: Can carry stronger connotations of individual empowerment, cultural movement, or radio-friendly rock/pop grandeur.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, but the contexts and collocates differ as noted.
Grammar
How to Use “anthem” in a Sentence
anthem of [GROUP/IDEA] (the anthem of freedom)anthem for [GROUP/ERA] (an anthem for the disaffected)anthem to [IDEA] (an anthem to resilience)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthem” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The choir will anthem the praises of the new king in a special composition.
- (Rare, archaic/poetic)
American English
- (Extremely rare; not in standard usage.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The anthem-like quality of the piece stirred the crowd.
- (Derivational, not a standard adjective)
American English
- She has an anthem voice, perfect for powerful ballads.
- (Derivational, not a standard adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in marketing: 'Our company anthem emphasises innovation.'
Academic
Used in musicology, cultural studies, and political science to discuss songs representing national or group identity.
Everyday
Common in discussions of sports (national anthems before games), music ('That's my workout anthem'), and public ceremonies.
Technical
In music, can refer to a specific type of choral composition (often with a religious text), but this is a specialised usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthem”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthem”
- Using 'anthem' for any popular song (it needs a connotation of collective identity or defining ideals).
- Confusing 'anthem' with 'hymn' (anthems can be secular; hymns are religious).
- Pronouncing the 'th' as /t/ or /d/ instead of /θ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'national anthem' is the most common collocation, 'anthem' can be used for any group (school anthem, sports team anthem) or cause (protest anthem, empowerment anthem).
Traditionally, a hymn is a song of praise to a deity, used in religious worship. An anthem can be secular and is often more formally composed; in a religious context, an anthem is a choral composition based on a biblical or sacred text, but not designed for congregational singing like a hymn.
It is extremely rare and considered archaic or poetic (e.g., 'to anthem praise'). In modern English, it is not used as a verb.
It is the voiceless 'th' sound /θ/ as in 'think' or 'theatre', not the voiced /ð/ as in 'this' or 'that'.
A formal or rousing song, typically of praise, loyalty, or celebration, often officially adopted by a nation, institution, or group.
Anthem is usually formal, neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] is an anthem for a generation.”
- “Strike up the anthem!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANTHEM as an ANThem: imagine a line of ants marching proudly to their own special, uplifting song.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GROUP'S IDENTITY IS ITS SONG; LOYALTY IS A MELODY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'anthem' MOST appropriate?