rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrhapsodyEnthusiastic expression
noun

rhapsody

RAP-suh-dee/ˈræpsədi/

An exuberant expression of strong feeling.

The pianist's performance becomes a rhapsody of strong feeling that moves the audience.

A pianist performs an emotionally sweeping free-form passage with expressive face and flowing hand motion, audience moved, no music prose.
Etymology
rhapsGreekto stitch, sew
+odyGreeksong

“Stitching songs together” described epic verse recitation. The later sense “rambling composition” may have led to an enthusiastic outpouring; the musical use names a free-form composition.

In context

Classics Explained6:52
It’s the most classical bit of Gershwin’s rhapsody
1924. The year Jazz crashed Classical Music’s party - Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (Ep.16)

More examples

  • He launches into a rhapsody over the bakery's fresh bread.
  • Her letters contain rhapsodies about the beauty of the mountains.
  • The review is a rhapsody in praise of the young actor.

Forms

rhapsody · rhapsodies

rhapsodize verb — To speak or write with great enthusiasm.

rhapsodic adjective — Expressing strong feeling with great enthusiasm.

Similar words

outpouring
Can express sorrow or anger, not just exuberant feeling.
effusion
Emphasizes unrestrained emotional expression, sometimes suggesting excessive sentiment.
paean
Specifically expresses praise or celebration of someone or something.