Crossword Dictionary
Amen (Hebrew: ×ָמֵן‎, ʾÄmÄ“n; Ancient Greek: ἀμήν, amÃn; Arabic: آمین‎, ÄmÄ«na/amin/ameen; Aramaic/Classical Syriac: ÜÜ¡Üܢ‎, 'amÄ«n) is an Abrahamic declaration of affirmation first found in the Hebrew Bible, and subsequently in the New Testament. It is used in Jewish, Christian and Islamic worship, as a concluding word, or as a response to a prayer. Common English translations of the word amen include "verily", "truly", "it is true", and "let it be so". It is also used colloquially, to express strong agreement.
In English, the word amen has two primary pronunciations, ah-MEN (/É‘ËˈmÉ›n/) or ay-MEN (/eɪˈmÉ›n/), with minor additional variation in emphasis (e.g., the two syllables may be equally stressed instead of placing primary stress on the second). With Anglophone North American usage the ah-men pronunciation is used in performances of classical music and in churches with more formalized rituals and liturgy.
The ay-men pronunciation is a product of the Great Vowel Shift (i.e., it dates from the 15th century); it is associated with Irish Protestantism and with conservative evangelical denominations generally. It also is the pronunciation typically used in gospel music.
Muslims pronounce "ah-meen" when concluding recitation of Al-Fatiha, the first surah, in prayer.
amen
exclamation
Uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning ‘so be it’.
examples:
‘Nonetheless, since his intention was toward God, and we hear the entire blessing from his mouth, we respond amen.’
‘Change me Lord, for your glory and for the extension of your Kingdom, in Jesus wonderful and mighty name I pray, amen!’
‘And we don't know the future, but we know you hold it so we trust you and we ask you to just work a miracle in Jesus's name, amen.’
‘We look to you for help and strength and ask you to minister comfort and strength to each these families today in the lovely name of Jesus, we pray, amen.’