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.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
playful
Fits when secular group joy is the real context
Careful Cheer strips away the sacred meaning and can trivialize worship.
everyday
Fits when the religious meaning should be stated without theatrical force
Careful Praise names the act or feeling but not the exclamation itself.
formal
doxology
Fits when a set liturgical formula or hymn of praise is meant
Careful A doxology is a composed form, not any spontaneous hallelujah.
formal
Fits when gratitude to God is more central than exuberance
Careful Thanksgiving can be quiet, ceremonial, or a holiday and need not sound like a shout.
literary
Fits when scriptural or liturgical praise is intended
Careful Hosanna also carries a plea for salvation and is not a general cry of relief.
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.
Keep in mind
In sacred contexts, retain the theological meaning rather than using hallelujah as generic excitement.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Paul2520, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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