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rhapsody

noun

/ˈrapsədi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of rhapsody

A fervent and unrestrained outpouring of emotions or sentiments.
"The President's concillatory remarks were lauded with rhapsodies of praise."

Detailed meaning of rhapsody

It refers to a passionate and often eloquent verbal or written expression that conveys deep and intense feelings, such as love, joy, or admiration. In this context, a rhapsody is marked by its vivid and poetic language, as well as its capacity to transport both the speaker and the listener to a heightened state of emotion or excitement. A rhapsody can take many forms, from a heartfelt declaration of love to an ecstatic appreciation of the beauty of nature or art. It is a term used to emphasize the exuberance and depth of one's emotional response and their desire to express it in an exceptionally enthusiastic and fervent manner.

Example sentences containing rhapsody

1. The inventor launched into a frenetic rhapsody about his latest scientific discovery.
2. She launched into a lengthy rhapsody about her recent yoga retreat.
3. She went into rhapsodies over her recent scuba diving trip.
4. The guests went into rhapsodies of delight over the magnificent views of the ocean.
5. He played the rhapsody with great passion and emotion, delivering a powerful and virtuosic performance.
6. She sang the rhapsody with great feeling and expressiveness, captivating the audience with her talent.

History and etymology of rhapsody

The noun 'rhapsody' has its etymological origins in ancient Greece. It comes from the Greek word 'rhapsoidia,' which is a combination of 'rhaptein,' meaning 'to sew' or 'to stitch,' and 'ode,' meaning 'song.' In ancient Greece, a rhapsode was a performer who recited epic poems or narratives, often stitching together various stories or verses into a cohesive performance. Over time, the term 'rhapsody' evolved to describe a fervent and unrestrained outpouring of emotions or sentiments, much like the passionate and stitched-together recitations of the rhapsodes. When someone experiences a 'rhapsody,' it suggests an intense and emotionally charged expression, akin to the powerful narratives presented by these ancient performers. Therefore, the etymology of 'rhapsody' reflects its historical connection to the art of storytelling and passionate recitations, highlighting its role in describing fervent and unrestrained emotional expression, as conveyed by its linguistic roots.

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Further usage examples of rhapsody

1. They danced the rhapsody with great energy and intensity, bringing the piece to life with their skill and grace.
2. He wrote the rhapsody as a tribute to his love, expressing his deepest emotions through the music.
3. She composed the rhapsody as a celebration of life, expressing her joy and gratitude through the music.
4. They performed the rhapsody with great virtuosity and technical skill, showcasing their talent and expertise.
5. He played the rhapsody with great expression and emotion, conveying the full range of human feeling through the music.
6. She sang the rhapsody with great depth and intensity, capturing the hearts of the listeners with her voice.
7. They danced the rhapsody with great passion and grace, bringing the piece to life with their artistry and skill.
8. He wrote the rhapsody as an ode to his homeland, expressing his love and loyalty through the music.
9. She composed the rhapsody as a tribute to her culture, expressing her pride and respect through the music.
10. They performed the rhapsody with great skill and passion, captivating the audience with their talent and artistry.
11. Her speech was a rhapsody of love and gratitude.
12. The musician's performance was a soulful rhapsody.
13. The book's final chapter was a rhapsody of hope and redemption.
14. Nature's beauty often inspires a rhapsody of poetic words.
15. The film's climax was a rhapsody of emotions.
16. The artist's painting was a colorful rhapsody of shapes and forms.
17. The passionate kiss ignited a rhapsody of emotions between them.
18. His heartfelt letter was a rhapsody of affection.
19. The wedding vows were a rhapsody of commitment and love.
20. The sunrise over the mountains was a rhapsody of colors.
21. Their laughter filled the room, creating a rhapsody of joy.
22. The ballet's choreography was a graceful rhapsody of movement.
23. The chef's tasting menu was a culinary rhapsody.
24. The ocean's waves provided a soothing rhapsody for beachgoers.