Hallelujah
n.joyful, hopefulwarm
What it means
An utterance or song of praise to God, also used for intense relief or joy.
Reach for it when expressing religious praise or a release of emotion that ordinary thanks understates
The final chord carried the congregation's hallelujah into the rafters.
Choose between these
5- playful
secular group joy is the real context
not when Cheer strips away the sacred meaning and can trivialize worship.
- everyday
the religious meaning should be stated without theatrical force
not when Praise names the act or feeling but not the exclamation itself.
- formal
doxology
a set liturgical formula or hymn of praise is meant
not when A doxology is a composed form, not any spontaneous hallelujah.
- formal
gratitude to God is more central than exuberance
not when Thanksgiving can be quiet, ceremonial, or a holiday and need not sound like a shout.
- literary
scriptural or liturgical praise is intended
not when Hosanna also carries a plea for salvation and is not a general cry of relief.
Said against
3- lament
- curse
- complaint
It naturally appears in
3- shout hallelujah
The relieved volunteers could finally shout hallelujah when every hiker was found.
- hallelujah chorus
A hallelujah chorus closed the interfaith concert.
- heartfelt hallelujah
Her heartfelt hallelujah expressed gratitude rather than triumph.
Usage notes
In sacred contexts, retain the theological meaning rather than using hallelujah as generic excitement.