Hymnless

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A lack of songs commonly associated with worship practices signifies a state devoid of sacred musical expressions
2. The condition characterized by the absence of religious-themed melodies highlights a disconnection from traditional vocal praises
3. Describing a state or setting completely lacking any hymnal or worship songs

Etymology: "Hymnless" is simply "hymn" with the suffix "-less," which comes from Old English "lēas," meaning "free from" or "lacking." Attaching it to a noun produces an adjective describing the absence of that thing, so "hymnless" describes a setting, service, or stretch of time without hymns. The base word has a longer road into English. "Hymn" traces back through Latin "hymnus" to Greek "hymnos," a word for a song of praise, especially one addressed to a god or hero. The suffix, by contrast, is native Germanic and has been productive in English for over a thousand years, which is why it attaches so readily to ordinary nouns like "hope" or "care" to form new adjectives.

Synonyms: secular

Antonyms: sacred, holy