Antiphonal

/ænˈtɪfənəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or performed as an antiphon; involving alternating responses, especially in singing or chanting.

Etymology

From antiphon + -al (relating to). The suffix -al converts the noun into an adjective describing the quality of being antiphonic or involving antiphonal responses.

Kelly Says

Antiphonal singing is still used in some churches today, and it's the direct ancestor of modern call-and-response music, hip-hop breakdowns, and even some forms of comedy—the 'back-and-forth' is ancient.

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