litany
UK[ˈlɪtəni]US[ˈlɪtəni]
n
a long, repetitive, and often boring list or series of things, especially of complaints or problems.
n
a series of prayers or petitions recited by a leader alternating with responses from the congregation, used in Christian worship.
Morpheme Breakdown
litan
y
litan
prayer
y
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'litany' has a journey from public prayer to tedious enumeration. it originates from the ancient greek 'litaneia', meaning 'supplication' or 'entreaty', itself derived from 'litē', a term for prayer. this entered late latin as 'litania', referring specifically to a form of responsive prayer in christian liturgy. the repetitive, formulaic nature of these liturgical prayers led, by the 16th century, to the word's figurative application to any lengthy and monotonous recital, such as a list of complaints.
Analysis
Structure: litan (prayer) + y (noun suffix)
litan - from latin 'litania', from greek 'litaneia' (entreaty, prayer). y - a common english noun-forming suffix, often indicating a state, quality, or practice.
Examples
she recited a litany of grievances against her former employer.
the priest led the congregation in the litany of the saints.
his speech was just a familiar litany of promises we've heard many times before.