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Where does the word "rhapsody" come from? It comes from Greek rhapsōidia, and was adopted directly into English (1540s).
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Where does the word "rhapsody" come from? It comes from Greek rhapsōidia, and was adopted directly into English (1540s).
Rhapsody’s story begins in Greek: rhapsōidia meant “stitched song.” Greek, 'rhaptein', to stitch, plus 'ōidē', song: reciting epic poetry. It reached English by 1540s as rhapsody. Musical 'rhapsodies' date from the 1800s. Today, rhapsody means an enthusiastic expression of feeling; a free musical piece.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient rhapsōidia "stitched song", Greek, 'rhaptein', to stitch, plus 'ōidē', song: reciting epic poetry.
- Stage 2 · English · 1540s rhapsody "epic recitation", musical 'rhapsodies' date from the 1800s.