Cantorial

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Concerning the musical style and performance associated with a cantor, this term encompasses the unique chants and practices used in religious ceremonies and services
2. Relating to the performances and responsibilities of a cantor, it describes the specific melodic traditions and repertoire utilized within sacred music contexts
3. Connected with the duties or musical style of a cantor, especially in religious worship

Etymology: "Cantorial" is a plain English formation: the noun "cantor" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ial" attached. "Cantor" itself came into English from Latin "cantor", meaning "singer", a derivative of "canere", "to sing", which is the root behind words like "chant" and "incantation". So the adjective reads, quite literally, as "singerly" or "of the singer". The suffix does most of the work here. The "-ial" ending entered English through Middle English from Old French, and it descends from Latin "-ālis", the adjective-maker that gives English so many words such as "national" and "industrial". Attaching it to "cantor" produced a word that describes anything belonging to the cantor's office, whether a prayer book, a melody or a style of singing.

Synonyms: chanting, musical