rhapsody

/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 exalt

rhapsody means An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 73 out of 100.

Why this word is great

RHAPSODY — [Noun] A musical composition of irregular form and improvisatory character, or an expression of exaggeratedly enthusiastic feeling. From Latin rhapsōdia, from Koine Greek ῥαψῳδία (rhapsōidía), from ῥαψῳδός (rhapsōidós, "composer of epic poetry"), from ῥάπτω (rháptō, "to sew, stitch") + ᾠδή (ōidḗ, "ode, song"), thus literally "a stitching together of songs." Unlike the formal, statuesque ode or the assembled, pre-existing patchwork of a medley, a rhapsody is an ecstatic, original synthesis, born of the moment. It is the virtuosic flight of a pianist’s fingers in a torrent of ungoverned emotion; the cascade of fervent, disjointed praise from a lover who has lost linear thought; the wild stitching together of folk melody and orchestral storm into a single, surging river of sound. It is the beautiful, unraveling logic of the heart.

noun

An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
An exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing.“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.”
An instrumental composition of irregular form, often incorporating improvisation.
A random collection or medley; a miscellany; also, a confused string of stories, words, etc.“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!”
A literary composition consisting of miscellaneous works.

verb

Synonym of rhapsodize.; To say (something) with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm.
Synonym of rhapsodize.; To perform (a rhapsody (“an epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation”))
Synonym of rhapsodize.; Followed by about, on, over, or upon: to speak with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm.