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The Learning Kingdom's Cool Word of the Day for March 19, 1999
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rhapsody [n. RAP-suh-dee]
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A poem or song that is lyrical or emotionally charged might be called
a rhapsody. It's an expression that shows exalted, impassioned
style, with great emotional enthusiasm: "His oration was not just a
speech; it was a rhapsody of glorious praise." The word can also
refer to the state of someone who is experiencing such emotions.
The word is sometimes spelled "rapsody," which might lead to a false
association with "rapt," an unrelated word that also implies a kind of
emotional transport.
Actually the source is the Greek rhapsoidia (an epic poem), from
rhaptein (to sew together) and oide (song). So a rhapsody is a song
or story that has been "stitched together," the product of a "weaver
of songs." The implication of greatly exalted emotional heights is a
more recent addition from the 17th century.
The first part, rhaptein, comes from the ancient root werp- (to turn,
wind) which also gave us wrap and raphe (an anatomical seamlike
ridge). The second part, oide, comes from the ancient root aweid- (to
sing), which also gave us ode, comedy, parody, melody, and tragedy.
Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" is passionately romantic music:
http://www.classical.net/~music/comp.lst/works/gershwin/rhapblue.html
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