anthem
UK[ˈænθəm]US[ˈænθəm]
n
A formal song of praise, loyalty, or happiness, especially one sung on special occasions by a particular group.
n
A song that is important to a particular group of people, often an expression of their beliefs or identity.
Etymology
The word 'anthem' originates from Old English 'antefn', itself derived from Late Latin 'antiphona', meaning "a psalm or hymn sung responsively." The Latin term comes from the Greek 'antiphōna', a neuter plural of 'antiphōnos', meaning "sounding in answer." This Greek word is a compound of 'anti-' (in return) and 'phōnē' (sound, voice). Originally referring to a piece of sacred music sung alternately by two choirs, the meaning broadened over time. By the 16th century, it came to denote any song of praise or celebration, eventually evolving to its modern sense of a rousing or emblematic song representing a nation, institution, or cause.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. Its spelling and structure in modern English do not allow for a clear segmentation into meaningful substrings (like 'ant' + 'hem') that reflect its etymology.
Examples
The national anthem was played before the start of the international match.
The choir performed a beautiful anthem during the wedding ceremony.
That rock song became an anthem for a generation seeking change.