Hymn
/hɪm/noun
A religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity.
Did you know?The word 'hymn' is linked to rituals that sought to communicate with the gods, making it a powerful form of spiritual expression.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁yem-
“to sing or chant, evoking a sense of sacredness.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὕμνος (hymnos)
“a song of praise, often dedicated to the gods.”
Latin
Latin
hymnus
“a song or chant to celebrate or honor the divine.”
Old French
Old French
himne
“a song of praise, particularly in a religious context.”
Middle English
Middle English
hymne
“a religious song or poem, particularly in Christian worship.”
Modern English
English
hymn
“a formal song of praise, still often used in religious contexts.”
Explore more surprising origins