great doxology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Specialized/Technical)Formal, Liturgical, Theological
Quick answer
What does “great doxology” mean?
A specific Christian hymn of praise to God, traditionally beginning with the words "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the highest).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific Christian hymn of praise to God, traditionally beginning with the words "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the highest).
In liturgical Christian contexts, it refers to a longer, more elaborate hymn of praise used in certain services (particularly in Eastern Orthodox, Byzantine Rite Catholic, and some Anglican traditions), as distinct from the shorter "lesser doxology" (Gloria Patri).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in theological and liturgical contexts in both regions. However, it may be more familiar in UK contexts within discussions of the Anglican 'Common Worship' or 'Book of Common Prayer', while in the US it may be more associated with Eastern Rite or Orthodox traditions.
Connotations
Connotes formal worship, tradition, and specific liturgical knowledge.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively by clergy, theologians, church musicians, and informed laypeople within specific Christian denominations.
Grammar
How to Use “great doxology” in a Sentence
[Service/Matins] concludes with the Great Doxology.The choir performed/sang [the] Great Doxology.The priest chanted/chants [the] Great Doxology.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great doxology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The congregation will doxologise with the Great Doxology. (Rare, technical)
American English
- The service doxologized using the Great Doxology. (Rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- The choir sang doxologically. (Rare)
American English
- They praised God doxologically. (Rare)
adjective
British English
- The doxological text is ancient.
- The service had a doxological conclusion.
American English
- The doxological hymn was magnificent.
- He studied doxological traditions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in papers on liturgical studies, church history, or comparative theology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific religious communities.
Technical
Precise term in liturgics, hymnology, and ecclesiastical music.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great doxology”
- Using 'great doxology' as a general term for any impressive hymn (it is a specific text).
- Confusing it with the 'Gloria Patri' (Lesser Doxology).
- Omitting the capital letters when referring to the specific hymn.
- Pronouncing 'doxology' with stress on the first syllable (/ˈdɒksələdʒi/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are textually related but liturgically distinct. The 'Gloria' (Gloria in excelsis Deo) in the Roman Catholic Mass is a shorter, specific form. The 'Great Doxology' often refers to a longer, more elaborate version used in other services (like Orthros/Matins) in Eastern and some Western traditions.
It is typically sung during festive morning services (Matins or Orthros) in Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches, especially on Sundays and feast days. In some Anglican uses, it may follow the Te Deum.
No, it is a strict technical term for a specific liturgical text. Using it metaphorically (e.g., 'the critic's review was a great doxology for the film') would be incorrect and confusing.
The Great Doxology (Gloria in excelsis) is a lengthy hymn praising the Trinity, often used as a centerpiece of a service. The Lesser Doxology (Gloria Patri - 'Glory be to the Father...') is a short, formulaic praise recited frequently, often at the end of psalms and canticles.
A specific Christian hymn of praise to God, traditionally beginning with the words "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the highest).
Great doxology is usually formal, liturgical, theological in register.
Great doxology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt dɒkˈsɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt dɑːkˈsɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GREAT' length for 'GREAT' praise. 'Doxology' comes from Greek 'doxa' (glory) + 'logia' (saying).
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS A LIFTING UP ("Glory to God in the highest").
Practice
Quiz
What is the opening line of the Great Doxology?