responsory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “responsory” mean?
A liturgical chant in Christian worship where a choir or congregation responds to a verse sung by a cantor or soloist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A liturgical chant in Christian worship where a choir or congregation responds to a verse sung by a cantor or soloist.
In extended use, a responsive piece of music or text; the practice of call and response in a formal, often ritualistic, setting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage is identical but influenced by denominational traditions (e.g., more common in Anglican/Catholic contexts in the UK, various Christian traditions in the US).
Connotations
Connotes high-church ritual, formal liturgy, and historical Christian musical tradition in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in UK contexts due to the established nature of the Anglican choral tradition, though still a specialist term.
Grammar
How to Use “responsory” in a Sentence
[Sing/Chant/Perform] + a/the + [Adjective] + responsoryThe responsory + [Verb: follows, precedes, responds to] + [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical musicology, liturgical studies, theology, and medieval studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in musicology (specifically chant studies), liturgy, and ecclesiastical practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “responsory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “responsory”
- Using it to mean 'responsible' or 'responsive' in a general context.
- Pronouncing it with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈrɛspɒnsəri/).
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a responsory chant' is redundant; 'responsory' itself is a noun for the chant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only distantly. Both derive from Latin 'respondere' (to answer). 'Responsory' came into English via ecclesiastical Latin 'responsorium', meaning 'something answered'. 'Responsible' came via French with a different sense development.
Extremely rarely. It is overwhelmingly a technical term for a specific form of liturgical music. In extended use, it might describe any formal call-and-response text, but this is highly specialised.
Both are types of antiphonal chant. Traditionally, a responsory is more elaborate, follows a reading, and has a defined structure of verse, response, and often a Gloria Patri. An antiphon is typically simpler and frames the singing of a psalm or canticle.
The stress is on the second syllable: ri-SPON-suh-ree. In British English, the 'o' is like in 'lot' (/ɒ/). In American English, it's like in 'father' (/ɑː/).
A liturgical chant in Christian worship where a choir or congregation responds to a verse sung by a cantor or soloist.
Responsory is usually formal, ecclesiastical, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RESPONSE from a CHOIR. A respons-ORY is a st-ORY told through musical response.
Conceptual Metaphor
LITURGY IS A STRUCTURED CONVERSATION; WORSHIP IS A MUSICAL DIALOGUE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'responsory'?