Use litany for the structured call-and-response prayer used in worship, especially when the repeated petitions are the point.
Use litany for the structured call-and-response prayer used in worship, especially when the repeated petitions are the point.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The deacon litanyed the prayers before Communion. | The deacon led the litany before Communion. |
| The priest preached a litany about mercy. | The priest led a litany of petitions for mercy. |
| The litany was a private one-line prayer. | The litany was a series of petitions with repeated responses. |
| The congregation only listened to the litany. | The congregation answered each petition in the litany. |
Use litany when a list feels lengthy, repetitive, and tiresome, not for one isolated complaint or a crisp summary.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The report included a litany complaint about staffing. | The report included a litany of complaints about staffing. |
| She gave one litany about the delay. | She gave one complaint about the delay. |
| He litanied his reasons for quitting. | He recited a litany of reasons for quitting. |
| The memo gave a concise litany of two problems. | The memo gave a concise list of two problems. |
Use litany for writing whose repeated wording creates a prayer-like rhythm or solemn intensity.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The poem was a litany because every line rhymed. | The poem was a litany because it repeated the same plea. |
| He wrote a litany in a single unrepeated line. | He wrote a refrain in a single repeated line. |
| The sonnet was a litany only because it had fourteen lines. | The poem became a litany through repeated phrases. |
| Her litany used no repetition at all. | Her litany returned to the same words again and again. |
Use litany when repetition matters: a formal response prayer, a wearying series of items, or a chant-like literary pattern.
A single complaint called a litany overstates the word, because litany normally suggests repeated or extended items.
From Middle English letanie, from Old French letanie and ecclesiastical Latin litania, ultimately from Greek litaneia, meaning prayer or entreaty.
What is a litany in church?
A litany is a formal prayer made of repeated petitions, usually led by one person while the congregation gives fixed responses.
What does litany of complaints mean?
A litany of complaints is a long, repetitive series of complaints that feels tiring or excessive.
Can litany refer to poetry?
Yes. In literature, a litany can be a chant-like poem or passage built from repeated phrases or invocations.
Is litany a verb?
No. Litany is a noun, so use forms such as recite a litany, lead a litany, or a litany of complaints.
What is the plural of litany?
The regular plural is litanies.
Where does litany come from?
Litany comes through Old French and Latin from Greek litaneia, meaning prayer or entreaty.
Is litany always negative?
No. The prayer sense is neutral, but the figurative phrase a litany of often suggests a tedious list of problems or complaints.