rhapsody

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“
Now, the Greek word rhapsody is derived from a tense of the verb rhapto_, to sew as with a needle, to connect, and ode_, a song, chant, or course of singing.

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Definitions (11)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (5)

  1. noun Exalted or excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing.
  2. noun A literary work written in an impassioned or exalted style.
  3. noun A state of elated bliss; ecstasy.
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Examples

  • Even Jeffrey thought it “was too much of the nature of a rhapsody, to command success or respectful attention.” —  A Publisher and His Friends
  • On Chopin's death Liszt sprang into print with a rhapsody which led Fontana to defer his work. —  The Love Affairs of Great Musicians
  • The pomp of the ceremony was a kind of rhapsody, and fitter, I think, for Hudibras, than him; because the cavalcade was mostly burlesque: but he was an extraordinary man, and buried after an extraordinary fashion; for I do believe there was never such another burial seen. —  The Dramatic Works of John Dryden
  • Now, the Greek word rhapsody is derived from a tense of the verb rhapto_, to sew as with a needle, to connect, and ode_, a song, chant, or course of singing. —  The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 1
  • On September 6, after visiting the catacombs, he goes to the Convent of St. Martino, and indulges in this rhapsody: — “From a terrace and balcony two views of the beautiful scenery of the city and bay are obtained. —  Letters and Journals 01
 

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Rhapsody has been looked up 283 times, favorited 6 times, listed 54 times, and commented on 4 times.

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Latin rhapsōdia, section of an epic poem, from Greek rhapsōidiā, from rhapsōidein, to recite poems : rhaptein, rhaps-, to sew; see wer-2 in Indo-European roots + aoidē, ōidē, song; see wed-2 in Indo-European roots.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Formerly also rhapsodie, rapsodie; from Old French rapsodie, French rapsodie, rhapsodie = Spanish Portuguese Italian rapsodia, from Latin rhapsodia, from Greek ῤαψῳδία, the reciting of epic poetry, a part of an epic recited at a time, a rhapsody, a tirade, from ῤαψῳδός, a rhapsodist: see rhapsode.
 

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/ˈræpsədi/
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