Litany

Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtəni/

Definitions of litany

noun a series of petitions for use in church services or processions

Example Sentences

A1 She recited a litany of excuses for being late.

A2 The teacher went through a litany of rules before starting the class.

B1 The politician's speech was filled with a litany of promises to improve the economy.

B2 The CEO presented a litany of reasons why the company was restructuring.

C1 The lawyer prepared a litany of evidence to present in court.

C2 The historian's book contained a litany of events that shaped the course of history.

Examples of litany in a Sentence

formal The lawyer presented a litany of evidence to support her case.

informal She went on a litany of complaints about her job to anyone who would listen.

slang I can't handle another litany of excuses from him.

figurative The artist's paintings were a litany of colors and emotions.

Grammatical Forms of litany

• past tense: litanied
• plural: litanies
• comparative: more litany
• superlative: most litany
• present tense: reciting
• future tense: will recite
• perfect tense: have recited
• continuous tense: is reciting
• singular: litany
• positive degree: litany
• infinitive: to recite
• gerund: reciting
• participle: recited

Origin and Evolution of litany

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin and Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'litany' comes from the Latin word 'litania' which in turn comes from the Greek word 'litaneia' meaning supplication or prayer.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a religious context to refer to a form of prayer or supplication, the word 'litany' has evolved to also mean a repetitive or tedious recitation or list of items.