The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

litany

IPA:

Dictionary definition of litany

A catalog of items, phrases, or issues that are enumerated in a systematic or monotonous manner.
"The store received a litany of complaints from dissatisfied customers."

Detailed meaning of litany

It often implies a sense of tiresome repetition and can be employed in various contexts. For example, a politician might recite a "litany of campaign promises" during a speech, suggesting that they are listing numerous pledges one after another. Similarly, a person going through a "litany of excuses" is offering a long list of reasons, often without much variation, to justify their actions or decisions. In essence, when "litany" is used in this way, it signifies the repetition and abundance of items, often with a hint of wearisome persistence.

Example sentences containing litany

1. Every morning, she went through a litany of chores before heading to work.
2. The conference started with a litany of thanks to the sponsors and organizers.
3. The novel delves into a litany of emotions experienced by the protagonist.
4. His speech consisted of a litany of promises he hoped to fulfill in office.
5. The litany of events from the past haunted her in her dreams.
6. The journalist provided a detailed litany of the city's major challenges.

History and etymology of litany

The noun 'litany' has its origins in ancient religious practices. It can be traced back to the Greek word 'litaneia,' which referred to a form of prayer or supplication in which a series of petitions or invocations were recited in a repetitive manner. The Greek term 'litaneia' was derived from 'litaneuein,' meaning 'to pray' or 'to entreat.' Early Christian liturgy incorporated litanies as a structured form of prayer, often involving the repetition of phrases or supplications. Over time, the concept of a repetitive, catalog-like enumeration expanded beyond religious contexts. Today, the term 'litany' is used to describe any extensive list or repetitive series of items, phrases, or issues that are recited or presented systematically, often with a sense of monotony or tedium.

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Further usage examples of litany

1. For months, we listened to the litany of problems our neighbor encountered.
2. The coach had a litany of drills for us to master before the big game.
3. The priest's litany resonated through the silent church corridors.
4. The crowd was moved by the litany of stories shared by the survivors.
5. A litany of awards decorated the walls of his well-lit office.
6. The mayor recited a litany of accomplishments achieved during his tenure.
7. She had a litany of reasons why she couldn't make it to the event.
8. The play depicted a litany of historical events with precision.
9. He was overwhelmed by the litany of tasks his boss assigned him.
10. During the meeting, she presented a litany of data supporting her claim.
11. The book contains a litany of recipes from around the world.
12. He remembered the litany of places they'd visited on their trip.
13. The film explores a litany of societal issues without taking sides.
14. The litany of errors in the report was too significant to overlook.
15. She poured out a litany of grievances she'd held onto for years.
16. The litany of instruments in the band created a harmonious sound.
17. Students often had a litany of questions at the end of the lecture.
18. The debate offered a litany of perspectives on the controversial issue.
19. The litany of ceremonies throughout the day marked the city's biggest festival.