Rhapsody
What it means
An intensely enthusiastic expression or a free-flowing musical work.
Reach for it when describing exuberant praise or expansive emotion in elevated language
Her review became a rhapsody on the colors of the restored frescoes.
Words to choose between 6
| warm | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
-
warm
Fits when intense joy is the experience
Careful Ecstasy does not name words or music.
-
professional
fantasia
Fits when a free musical composition is meant
Careful Fantasia is not verbal praise.
-
formal
ode
Fits when a shaped lyrical tribute is intended
Careful An ode follows a poetic form.
-
formal
paean
Fits when sustained praise celebrates a subject
Careful Paean has a ceremonial feel.
-
literary
effusion
Fits when emotion pours out at length
Careful Effusion can sound excessive.
-
literary
Fits when overwhelming delight is central
Careful Rapture names emotion, not its expression.
Opposites 3
- denunciation
- lament
- restraint
Common phrases 3
-
rhapsody on a theme
The pianist played a rhapsody on a folk theme.
-
burst into rhapsody
The critic burst into rhapsody over the final scene.
-
romantic rhapsody
A romantic rhapsody closed the concert.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated