succentor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareEcclesiastical / Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “succentor” mean?
A subordinate or deputy cantor in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subordinate or deputy cantor in a cathedral or collegiate church.
A choir official in Anglican or Episcopal cathedrals responsible for leading the singing on the north side of the choir, historically a deputy to the precentor who leads from the south side.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used within the context of the Church of England and Anglican Communion worldwide. In American Episcopal churches, the role might exist but the term is less commonly used, with 'assistant choirmaster' or 'deputy cantor' being more frequent.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries historical and traditional ecclesiastical weight. In the US, it may sound like a very formal or archaic British import.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language; its use is confined to specific Anglican/Episcopal liturgical contexts. Higher frequency within UK ecclesiastical publications than in US ones.
Grammar
How to Use “succentor” in a Sentence
succentor of [Place/Church]the succentor, [Name]appointed/chosen as succentorVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical musicology, liturgical studies, or ecclesiastical history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely in Anglican/Episcopal church organisation and liturgical direction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “succentor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “succentor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “succentor”
- Pronouncing it /ˈsʌksəntɔːr/ (like 'succulent').
- Using it to mean any choir member or singer.
- Spelling as 'succenter'.
- Assuming it's a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A succentor is a specific deputy role within the canonical structure of some cathedrals, often a cleric. A choirmaster is a musician who trains and conducts the choir, which may or may not be the same person.
Yes, in churches that ordain women, the role of succentor can be held by a woman.
It comes from Late Latin 'succentor', from Latin 'succinere' meaning 'to sing to, accompany', from 'sub-' (under) + 'canere' (to sing).
No. It is a traditional post in Anglican and some Episcopal cathedrals, but many modern cathedrals have different organisational structures without this specific title.
A subordinate or deputy cantor in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Succentor is usually ecclesiastical / formal / technical in register.
Succentor: in British English it is pronounced /səkˈsɛntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /səkˈsɛntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SUCCeeds the CANTOR' or 'SUbordinate CANTOR'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS SPATIAL (the succentor is on the north side, subordinate to the precentor on the south).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a succentor?