What does responsorial mean?
Responsorial is a formal, chiefly liturgical and musicological word connected with the alternation of a solo or officiant's verse and a choral reply. It describes the response itself, the part of a responsory sung by the choir, or more generally anything belonging to such a responsorial chant. In Anglican, Catholic, and other Christian traditions, a responsory may consist of a verse followed by a response, often culminating in a repeated formula. Because this specialized vocabulary is less familiar than responsory, responsorial is often encountered in hymnological and historical discussion rather than ordinary speech. The word is useful when precision matters: it identifies not merely a call-and-response structure in general, but specifically the musical or liturgical response in a responsory. Its strongest associations are therefore with sacred choral music, sacred texts, and the formal performance of worship.
Of or relating to a responsory, especially the chant or response sung by a choir in answer to a verse.
"The service included a responsorial chant between the readings."
A responsory; a liturgical chant or musical response sung in answer to a verse.
"The final responsorial concludes with the customary choral refrain."
Rare as a noun; responsory is normally preferred.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; responsories is far more usual for the corresponding liturgical chants.
"The collection preserves several responsorials from different manuscript traditions."
Responsorial turns the call and response of sacred music into a single specialist adjective.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does responsorial come from?
The word comes through Latin responsorialis, meaning “of or relating to a responsory.” It is related to responsorium, a response or reply, which derives from respondere, “to answer, respond,” the same Latin root behind responsible, responsive, and respondent.
Related word forms
How responsorial is actually used
A formal and relatively uncommon word used chiefly in liturgical, musicological, and historical contexts. In general discussion, responsory is usually the more familiar choice.
Easily confused with responsorial
Responsorial refers specifically to a reply or chant in a call-and-response structure, whereas responsive more generally means able or quick to respond.