Singsong

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪŋsɒŋ/

Definitions

1. A cheerful and musical way of talking often features varied pitch and rhythm that captivates listeners
2. A manner of speaking that integrates melody and rhythm, creating an engaging and enjoyable auditory experience
3. A style of speaking or chanting characterized by a repetitive, rhythmic, and melodic tone

Etymology: "Singsong" is a plain compound of "sing" and "song," two words that go back to Old English. The pairing is an old one: the noun "singsong" was first used for an informal gathering where people sang together, and only later for the rhythmic, rising-and-falling way of speaking that the word describes today. The adjective, meaning having a repetitive lilting rhythm, grew naturally out of that noun. The tone arises from the way the words combine. Repeated patterns of rising and falling pitch are what turn ordinary speech into something that sounds like a chant, which is why the word now suggests a cheerful, musical voice. Because the parts are so transparent, the meaning follows directly from them, and little else in the history needs explaining.

Synonyms: melodic, chant, refrain, tune, ditty

Antonyms: monotonous, flat, dull, unmelodic, discordant