Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: historical
Qualifier: Ancient Greece
Topics: communications, journalism, literature, media, poetry, publishing, writing
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, sometimes
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An instrumental composition of irregular form, often incorporating improvisation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A random collection or medley; a miscellany; also, a confused string of stories, words, etc.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, broadly
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A literary composition consisting of miscellaneous works.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, obsolete, sometimes
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Synonym of rhapsodize.
To say (something) with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Synonym of rhapsodize.
To perform (a rhapsody (“an epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation”))
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete, rare, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Synonym of rhapsodize.
Followed by about, on, over, or upon: to speak with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
an epic poem adapted for recitation
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: epic poem, heroic poem, epic, epos
History
The noun is derived from Latin rhapsōdia (“part of an epic poem suitable for uninterrupted recitation”), from Koine Greek ῥαψῳδία (rhapsōidía, “part of an epic poem suitable for uninterrupted recitation; rigmarole”), Ancient Greek ῥαψῳδία (rhapsōidía, “composition or recitation of Epic poetry”), from ῥαψῳδός (rhapsōidós, “composer or performer of Epic poetry”) + -ῐ́ᾱ (-ĭ́ā, suffix forming feminine abstract nouns). Ῥαψῳδός (Rhapsōidós) is derived from ῥᾰ́πτω (rhắptō, “to sew”) (possibly from Proto-Indo-European *werb- (“to bend; to turn”)) + ᾠδή (ōidḗ, “ode; song”) (ultimately from Proto-Hellenic *awoidā́ (“song”)) + -ος (-os, suffix forming o-grade action nouns). Sense 2.2 (“instrumental composition of irregular form”) probably developed from sense 2.1 (“exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing”), and both of these senses may have been influenced by rapture (“extreme excitement, happiness, or pleasure”), the latter being a quality associated with the senses. Sense 2.3 (“literary composition consisting of miscellaneous works”) is borrowed from Middle French rhapsodie (modern French rhapsodie), from Latin rhapsōdia: see above. The verb is derived from the noun. Cognates * French rhapsodie (“instrumental composition of irregular form”) * German Rhapsodie (“instrumental composition of irregular form”)
Across languages
52 source translations are retained for this English entry.
