incantation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "incantation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a spoken or written spell or charm commonly used in magical rituals, often with the intention of influencing the course of events in the world or to change the behavior of someone. For example: The witch whispered an incantation and then disappeared back into the shadows.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've been saying it for weeks like a feral incantation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be true to yourself: it's a quasi-religious incantation – and tends to be about the individual "journey" (another favourite word in Oprah-land), rather than anything collective.

The Guardian - Books

The foundations are blessed amid secret prayers, a mixture of Koranic verse and local magical incantation.

The Economist

Like an incantation, its voice is joined by another, then another, and finally another, on my street.

The Economist

The trade diplomat's incantation that to open his market is a "concession" granted in exchange for an opening somewhere else is economic nonsense spouted for domestic political purposes.

The Economist

Occasionally the poetry shades into incantation, with a suggestion, especially towards the end, of sermonising.

The Economist

Together with Benghazi and Obamacare it will form an incantation chanted by GOP candidates, a short-hand for Obama's incompetence and federal mismanagement.

The Economist

The speech ended with an incantation: "New Labour!

The Economist

All his observances group incantation of canonical liturgy, participation in assemblies with other monastic orders (kumbhamela) at various places and at astrologically determined times, alms begging, teaching religious topics to the laity, and conducting scriptural discourse with lay and monastic scholars (shastrartha)—are ancillary to his main purpose, which is meditation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such theories, which saw in prayer no more than a development of magic or incantation, failed to recognize the strictly personal characteristics of prayer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also makes extensive use of Christian myth and symbolism and often sounds a note of formal ritual and incantation in his poems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incantation" when referring to a specific sequence of words intended to produce a magical effect. It's more precise than a general term like "spell".

Common error

Do not use "incantation" simply to mean a repeated phrase or slogan. It should specifically refer to a magical or ritualistic formula.

Linguistic Context

The word "incantation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a set of words, often rhythmic or formulaic, believed to have magical power. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used in both the act of performing a spell and the spell's text itself. Examples show its use in describing both ancient and contemporary contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incantation" is a noun referring to a set of words, often rhythmic, believed to have magical power. As Ludwig AI states, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used. It can describe the act of reciting a spell or the spell itself. While most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it is used across various contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. Using precise language is recommended to avoid misapplication. The word's etymology from Latin reflects its historic association with spoken enchantments. Using the term "incantation" correctly can add precision and depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magical spell

Replaces the formal term "incantation" with a more common and less technical expression.

ritualistic chant

Focuses on the chanted aspect of an "incantation", highlighting its rhythmic and repetitive nature.

conjuration formula

Emphasizes the summoning aspect, similar to the synonym conjuration provided in the dictionary entry.

magic words

Offers a simpler, more colloquial alternative to "incantation".

sacred utterance

Highlights the religious or spiritual dimension of the "incantation".

spellbinding verse

Emphasizes the poetic or lyrical quality and the captivating effect of the "incantation".

mystical invocation

Highlights the act of calling upon a higher power or mystical force.

enchantment recitation

Focuses on the performance aspect of reciting words to create enchantment.

charm formula

Similar to "magical spell", but implies a protective or beneficial intention.

verbal charm

Focuses on the charm aspect and reinforces that it is spoken.

FAQs

How to use "incantation" in a sentence?

You can use "incantation" to describe the act of reciting a spell, as in "The wizard began the "incantation", his voice echoing through the chamber", or the formula itself, such as "The ancient "incantation" was said to hold immense power".

What can I say instead of "incantation"?

You can use alternatives like "spell", "charm", or "formula" depending on the specific context. "Spell" is more general, while "charm" suggests a beneficial effect.

Is "incantation" only used in fantasy contexts?

While often found in fantasy, "incantation" can also refer to repetitive or formulaic language used in other contexts, though this usage is less common. For example, a politician's repeated slogan could be described as an "incantation".

What is the origin of the word "incantation"?

The word "incantation" comes from the Latin word "incantare", meaning "to chant or enchant". This etymology reflects the word's association with spoken spells and magical rituals.