Pronunciation: [hˈɪmnə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "hymnals" is spelled with a silent "h" at the beginning, followed by the sounds /ɪm/ and /nəlz/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "hymnals" is /ˈhɪm.nəlz/. The silent "h" often confuses people when spelling the word, but it is a common feature of English spelling. "Hymnals" refers to books containing collections of hymns used in religious services, and is commonly found in churches and other places of worship.
Hymnals are books or collections of religious songs or hymns that are used primarily in religious worship or ceremonies. These books typically contain a selection of hymns that are specific to a particular religious tradition or denomination, and are intended to be sung by a congregation during religious services.
A hymnal is often organized systematically, with hymns grouped by theme, liturgical occasion, or season of the religious calendar. The selection of hymns included in a hymnal can vary widely depending on the specific religious tradition or denomination. Hymnals can include traditional hymns that have been passed down through generations, as well as more contemporary hymns that have been composed within recent years. The lyrics of each hymn are typically accompanied by musical notation, allowing individuals or a congregation to sing and harmonize together.
Hymnals serve as a valuable resource for worship communities, providing a way for individuals to express their faith and participate actively in religious services. They are often used in churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship, as well as in religious organizations and schools. Hymnals can also be used for personal devotion or study, allowing individuals to deepen their understanding and connection to their religious traditions through song.
The word "hymnals" derives from the noun "hymn", which in turn comes from the Greek word "humnos". The Greek term referred to a song of praise or joy directed towards a deity or a hero. The word "hymnal" was formed by adding the suffix "-al", which signifies "pertaining to" or "relating to". Thus, "hymnals" refers to books or collections containing a selection of hymns.
