anthema: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteArchaic / Erroneous
Quick answer
What does “anthema” mean?
A term that is commonly mistaken for 'anthem' but historically refers to a blemish, defect, or curse, and is sometimes an obsolete variant or a malapropism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term that is commonly mistaken for 'anthem' but historically refers to a blemish, defect, or curse, and is sometimes an obsolete variant or a malapropism.
In modern usage, it can appear as a rare, mistaken, or creative variation of 'anthem' (a rousing or uplifting song) or 'anathema' (something or someone intensely disliked). Its meaning depends heavily on the context of its erroneous use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No consistent regional usage exists for this non-standard term. Any usage would be an error or archaism in both varieties.
Connotations
If intended for 'anthem', it conveys error. If a historical use for 'blemish', it is obsolete and technical.
Frequency
Virtually non-existent in corpora of either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “anthema” in a Sentence
[to be] an anthema to someone (erroneous blend of 'anathema')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Might appear in historical medical texts referring to skin eruptions.
Everyday
Only as a common spelling mistake for 'anthem'.
Technical
Obsolete term in dermatology or theology (via confusion with 'anathema').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthema”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthema”
- Using 'anthema' instead of 'anthem' (e.g., 'the national anthema').
- Using 'anthema' instead of 'anathema' (e.g., 'it is an anthema to me').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a standard word in modern English. It is considered an error for 'anthem' or 'anathema', though it exists as an obsolete term for a blemish.
The most common mistake is typing or writing 'anthema' when intending to write 'anthem', the word for a formal song of praise or loyalty.
Politely clarify the context. If they mean a song, suggest 'anthem'. If they mean something detested, suggest 'anathema'.
Most contemporary general-purpose dictionaries will not list it. Only comprehensive historical or etymological dictionaries might include it as an obsolete form.
A term that is commonly mistaken for 'anthem' but historically refers to a blemish, defect, or curse, and is sometimes an obsolete variant or a malapropism.
Anthema is usually archaic / erroneous in register.
Anthema: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænθəmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænθəmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANTHEM is a song. ANATHEMA is a curse. ANTHEMA is a mistake that makes both worse.'
Practice
Quiz
'Anthema' is most accurately described as: