Chant

/tʃænt/ verb

Definition

To sing or speak the same words repeatedly in a rhythmic way, often as a group or ritual.

Etymology

From Old French 'chanter' (to sing), derived from Latin 'cantare' (to sing). The root appears in 'cantor,' 'cantata,' 'enchant,' and 'canto.'

Kelly Says

Chanting appears in every human culture—it's how we embedded memories before writing, how we go into trance states, and how we bond as groups. Brain imaging shows that group chanting synchronizes brain waves between people, literally making their minds work in harmony.

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