Meaning & Definition of Litany in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A series of petitions or prayers, typically recited by a leader and responded to by the congregation.

  Example Sentence: The litany was chanted during the ceremony, creating a somber atmosphere.

• Definition: A tedious recital or repetitive series.

  Example Sentence: He delivered a litany of excuses for being late.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English 'litene', derived from Old French 'litanee', from Latin 'litaniae', from Greek 'litaneia' meaning 'supplication'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• litany of complaints: A long list of grievances or issues.
• litany of excuses: A repeated series of justifications or reasons for fault.

Translations

• Spanish: letanía

• French: litanie

• German: Litanei

• Russian: литания

Related Words

• supplication: The action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.

• petition: A formal request addressed to an authority.

Slang Meanings of litany

• Meaning: A repetitive complaint or argument.

  Example Sentence: Stop with your litany about how hard your job is; we all have tough days.

• Meaning: A long, tedious list of things.

  Example Sentence: Her litany of chores seemed endless.