Chant vs. Cheer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Chant is a repetitive, rhythmic vocal expression, often religious or ritualistic, while cheer involves short, enthusiastic shouts to encourage or celebrate.
Difference Between Chant and Cheer
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Chants are typically repetitive and melodic, used in religious or ritualistic contexts to convey solemnity or spirituality. In contrast, cheers are spontaneous and involve short, loud expressions of support or joy, commonly heard at sports events and celebrations.
Chants often involve a group participating in unison, creating a collective vocal harmony that can be both meditative and motivating. On the other hand, cheers usually see individuals or crowds shouting independently, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
The purpose of chanting is often to achieve a focused, reflective state or to honor a tradition or deity, contributing to a sense of communal identity and spiritual connection. Whereas, cheering is primarily aimed at boosting morale, expressing enthusiasm, and rallying participants or teams to perform better.
Chants are structured and can be part of a larger ceremony or ritual, following specific patterns that might be centuries old. Cheers, however, are more impromptu, tailored to the immediate context and energy of the moment, often varying widely from one event to another.
While chants can be found in many cultures worldwide and are deeply embedded in religious and cultural practices, cheers are more universally recognized as expressions of happiness, success, or approval in various social settings, from concerts to competitive arenas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A repeated rhythmic phrase, often in unison
Short shouts of encouragement or approval
Context
Religious, ritualistic
Sporting events, celebrations
Purpose
Meditation, spirituality, tradition
Encouragement, celebration
Participation
Collective, unified
Individual, collective
Nature
Structured, repetitive
Spontaneous, varied
Compare with Definitions
Chant
A call or plea expressed in a repetitive tune.
The crowd's chant for justice was powerful and moving.
Cheer
A shout of encouragement, praise, or joy.
The cheer from the crowd boosted the team's spirits.
Chant
A rhythmic and repetitive song or spoken words.
The monk's chant during the ceremony created a serene atmosphere.
Cheer
A form of acclamation or greeting.
Her return was met with a cheer from her friends.
Chant
A type of singing in which a melody is sung to simple harmonic patterns.
Gregorian chant is known for its soothing and mystical qualities.
Cheer
An expression of approval or support, usually loud.
His speech ended with a loud cheer from the audience.
Chant
A mantra or phrase repeated in meditation or prayer.
She found peace in the chant of her daily mantra.
Cheer
A chant or shout at a rally, sports game, or contest.
The cheerleader led the crowd with a vibrant cheer.
Chant
A part of liturgy or religious ritual.
The priest intoned the chant from ancient texts.
Cheer
An optimistic or positive mood expressed vocally.
Their cheers filled the room with positive energy.
Chant
A chant (from French chanter, from Latin cantare, "to sing") is the iterative speaking or singing of words or sounds, often primarily on one or two main pitches called reciting tones. Chants may range from a simple melody involving a limited set of notes to highly complex musical structures, often including a great deal of repetition of musical subphrases, such as Great Responsories and Offertories of Gregorian chant.
Cheer
Shout for joy or in praise or encouragement
She cheered from the sidelines
Chant
A series of syllables or words that are sung on or intoned to the same note or a limited range of notes.
Cheer
Give comfort or support to
He seemed greatly cheered by my arrival
Chant
A canticle or prayer sung or intoned in this manner.
Cheer
A shout of encouragement, praise, or joy
A tremendous cheer from the audience
Chant
A monotonous rhythmic call or shout, as of a slogan
The chant of the crowd at the rally.
Cheer
Cheerfulness, optimism, or confidence
An attempt to inject a little cheer into this gloomy season
Chant
To sing or intone to a chant
Chant a prayer.
Cheer
A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation
A remark that drew cheers from the crowd.
Chant
To celebrate in song
Chanting a hero's deeds.
Cheer
A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Chant
To say in the manner of a chant
Chanted defiant slogans.
Cheer
Comfort or encouragement
A message of cheer.
Chant
To sing, especially in the manner of a chant
Chanted while a friend jumped rope.
Cheer
Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy
A happy tune, full of cheer.
Chant
To speak monotonously.
Cheer
Festive food and drink; refreshment
Did not refrain from sampling their holiday cheer.
Chant
To sing, especially without instruments, and as applied to monophonic and pre-modern music.
Cheer
To shout cheers.
Chant
To sing or intone sacred text.
Cheer
To express praise or approval
Bloggers cheered when the favorable decision was announced.
Chant
To utter or repeat in a strongly rhythmical manner, especially as a group.
The football fans chanted insults at the referee.
Cheer
To become cheerful
Had lunch and soon cheered up.
Chant
To sell horses fraudulently, exaggerating their merits.
Cheer
To encourage with cheers
The fans cheered the runners on.
Chant
Type of singing done generally without instruments and harmony.
Cheer
To salute or acclaim with cheers; applaud.
Chant
(music) A short and simple melody, divided into two parts by double bars, to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited. It is the most ancient form of choral music.
Cheer
To express praise or approval for; acclaim
Cheered the results of the election.
Chant
Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone.
Cheer
To make happier or more cheerful
A warm fire that cheered us.
Chant
A repetitive song, typically an incantation or part of a ritual.
Cheer
(uncountable) A cheerful attitude; happiness; a good, happy, or positive mood.
Chant
To utter with a melodious voice; to sing.
The cheerful birds . . . do chant sweet music.
Cheer
That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness, especially food and entertainment prepared for a festive occasion.
A table loaded with good cheer
Chant
To celebrate in song.
The poets chant in the theaters.
Cheer
(countable) A cry expressing joy, approval or support, such as "hurrah".
Three cheers for the birthday boy!
A cheer rose from the crowd.
Chant
To sing or recite after the manner of a chant, or to a tune called a chant.
Cheer
(countable) A chant made in support of a team at a sports event.
Chant
To make melody with the voice; to sing.
Cheer
(obsolete) One's facial expression or countenance.
Chant
To sing, as in reciting a chant.
Cheer
(archaic) One's attitude, mood.
Chant
Song; melody.
Cheer
Cheerleading, especially when practiced as a competitive sport.
Alex participated in cheer all four years of college.
I'm going to wear my new cheer shoes at cheer today.
Chant
A short and simple melody, divided into two parts by double bars, to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited. It is the most ancient form of choral music.
Cheer
(transitive) To gladden; to make cheerful; often with up.
We were cheered by the offer of a cup of tea.
Chant
A psalm, etc., arranged for chanting.
Cheer
(transitive) To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
Chant
Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone.
His strange face, his strange chant.
Cheer
To encourage to do something.
Chant
A repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
Cheer
(ambitransitive) To applaud or encourage with cheers or shouts.
The crowd cheered in support of the athletes.
The crowd cheered the athletes.
Chant
Recite with musical intonation; recite as a chant or a psalm;
The rabbi chanted a prayer
Cheer
To feel or express enthusiasm for (something).
The finance sector will cheer this decision.
Chant
Utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically;
The students chanted the same slogan over and over again
Cheer
The face; the countenance or its expression.
Cheer
That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness; provisions prepared for a feast; entertainment; as, a table loaded with good cheer.
Cheer
Feeling; spirit; state of mind or heart.
Be of good cheer.
The parents . . . fled away with heavy cheer.
Cheer
Gayety; mirth; cheerfulness; animation.
I have not that alacrity of spirit,Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.
Cheer
A shout, hurrah, or acclamation, expressing joy enthusiasm, applause, favor, etc.
Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street.
Cheer
To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; - often with up.
Cheer
To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.
Cheer
To salute or applaud with cheers; to urge on by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase.
Cheer
To grow cheerful; to become gladsome or joyous; - usually with up.
At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up.
Cheer
To be in any state or temper of mind.
How cheer'st thou, Jessica?
Cheer
To utter a shout or shouts of applause, triumph, etc.
And even the ranks of TusculumCould scare forbear to cheer.
Cheer
A cry or shout of approval
Cheer
The quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom;
Flowers added a note of cheerfulness to the drab room
Cheer
Give encouragement to
Cheer
Show approval or good wishes by shouting;
Everybody cheered the birthday boy
Cheer
Cause (somebody) to feel happier or more cheerful;
She tried to cheer up the disappointed child when he failed to win the spelling bee
Cheer
Become cheerful
Cheer
Urge on or encourage especially by shouts;
The crowd cheered the demonstrating strikers
Common Curiosities
What makes a cheer effective in a crowd?
A cheer's effectiveness comes from its ability to resonate with the crowd, often being loud, clear, and spirited.
How is cheering typically used in sports?
Cheering in sports is used to motivate teams, celebrate points scored, and enhance the energetic atmosphere of the game.
Are chants always religious or spiritual?
While often religious or spiritual, chants can also be secular, especially in cultural or traditional events.
Is chanting a global practice?
Yes, chanting is a global practice, found in various forms across different cultures and religions.
What is the main purpose of chanting?
Chanting is primarily used for spiritual or ritualistic purposes, aiding in meditation and creating a solemn atmosphere.
Can chants be part of everyday life?
Yes, chants can be part of everyday practices, especially within religious contexts or personal meditation routines.
How do cheers affect the performance of athletes?
Cheers can boost athletes' morale and performance by providing them with vocal support and showing audience engagement.
What differentiates a chant from a song?
Chants are more repetitive, monotonous, and are not typically structured with the complexity of a song.
Can cheers be planned or rehearsed?
Cheers can be both spontaneous and rehearsed, especially in contexts like cheerleading routines at sports events.
What are common occasions for cheering outside of sports?
Common occasions include concerts, public speeches, and personal celebrations like birthdays.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Jelly vs. Blancmange
Next Comparison
Qiyas vs. IjtihadAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
