Hymn Keeps a Silent N From Greek
A hymn is a religious song. Its silent final N reappears whenever the word gains a suffix.
A hymn is a song of praise, usually religious. The final N is silent in *hymn* but sounded in *hymnal*, which is a pattern English repeats: *autumn* and *autumnal*, *column* and *columnar*, *damn* and *damnation*, *solemn* and *solemnity*. The letter only speaks when a syllable follows it. The word came from Greek *hymnos*, a song in praise of a god or hero, through Latin.
- A song of praise. *A hymn tune.*
- Hymnal — a hymn book. *A hymnal.*
- To praise in song. *Hymned.*
- Anthem — a related idea. *An anthem.*
- Greek — *hymnos*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | hymn | A hymn. |
| Plural | hymns | Hymns. |
| Noun | hymnal | A hymnal. |
| Verb | hymn | Hymned. |
| Greek | hymnos | A song of praise. |
- They sang an old hymn.Music.
- The hymnal sounds the N.Pronunciation.
- Hymnos means a song of praise.Etymology.
Silent letters that wake up
- Hymn / hymnal — the N returns
- Autumn / autumnal — the same
- Column / columnar — the same
- Damn / damnation — the same
- Sign / signature — the G returns
Greek *hymnos*, a song in praise of a god or hero, through Latin *hymnus*.
Why is the N in hymn silent?
English drops a final N after M, but the letter is sounded again when a suffix follows, as in hymnal.
Which other words do this?
Autumn and autumnal, column and columnar, damn and damnation, solemn and solemnity.