What does "rhapsody" mean?
An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
Rhapsody
/ˈɹæpsədi/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
- Grammar: rhapsody is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bombast, classic, classical music, composition.
- Useful contrasts: calmness, dreariness, monotony.
- Usage evidence: I really like long songs like Bohemian Rhapsody.
How to use "rhapsody"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "rhapsody" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "rhapsody" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "rhapsody" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "rhapsody" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation. historical
- 2 (in ancient Greece) an epic poem adapted for recitation wordnet
- 3 An exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing. broadly, sometimes
"Of course here Mr. Pen went off into a rhapsody through which, as we have perfect command over our own feelings, we have no reason to follow the lad. Of course, love, truth, and eternity were produced: and words were tried but found impossible to plumb the tremendous depth of his affection."
- 4 (music) a free instrumental composition in one extended movement; typically emotional or exuberant in character wordnet
- 5 An instrumental composition of irregular form, often incorporating improvisation. broadly
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 an enthusiastic expression of emotion wordnet
- 7 A random collection or medley; a miscellany; also, a confused string of stories, words, etc. archaic, broadly
"Such an act / That blurs the grace and blush of modesty; / Calls virtue hypocrite; takes off the rose / From the fair forehead of an innocent love / And sets a blister there; makes marriage vows / As false as dicers' oaths; O, such a deed / As from the body of contraction plucks / The very soul, and sweet religion makes / A rhapsody of words!"
- 8 A literary composition consisting of miscellaneous works. broadly, obsolete, sometimes
Verb
- 1 Synonym of rhapsodize.; To say (something) with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm. transitive
- 2 Synonym of rhapsodize.; To perform (a rhapsody (“an epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation”)) obsolete, rare, transitive
- 3 Synonym of rhapsodize.; Followed by about, on, over, or upon: to speak with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm. intransitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I really like long songs like Bohemian Rhapsody."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "rhapsody"?
Common synonyms include: bombast, classic, classical music, composition, concert music, concertino.
How do you use "rhapsody" in a sentence?
I really like long songs like Bohemian Rhapsody.
How do you pronounce "rhapsody"?
Pronounced /ˈɹæpsədi/.
Etymology
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”)