Anthology Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ænˈθɒlədʒi/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A collection of literary or musical pieces, such as stories, poems, or songs, gathered together in a single book, album, or recording.

Examples

• The new anthology of poetry features works by several renowned authors.
• The anthology of jazz standards was released to critical acclaim.

Synonyms

• Collection
• Compilation

Antonyms

• Original
• Solitary

Etymology

The word “anthology” comes from the Greek words “anthos” ( flowers, blossoms) and “logos” (word, reason), and was first used in the 15th century to describe a collection of flowers or plants.

Additional Information

Anthologies can be found in various forms, such as literary collections, music albums, or even film compilations. They often serve as a way to showcase the work of multiple artists or creators, providing a unique perspective on a particular theme or genre.

Anthologies can also be used as a teaching tool, offering students a collection of related materials to study and analyze. Additionally, they can be a valuable resource for researchers, providing a comprehensive overview of a particular subject or topic.

Usage Notes

• Use “anthology” when referring to a collection of literary or musical pieces.
• Avoid using “anthology” to refer to a single work or piece, as it implies a collection of multiple works.

Cultural References

• The film “When Harry Met Sally” features an iconic scene set to a song from an imaginary jazz anthology.
• The TV show “The Walking Dead” has made references to various anthologies, including books of poetry and collections of music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• A collection of gems
• A treasure trove of creativity

Related Words or Phrases

• Compilation
• Collections
• Best of

Collocations

• A collection of short stories
• A compilation of jazz standards

Frequency of Use

The word “anthology” is not as commonly used as some other literary or musical terms, but it is still a useful term for describing a collection of related works.

Common Misspellings

• Antholog
• Anthlogie